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schools or provide an alternative to students not being served effectively. Limited school <br />choice should be allowed within space and racial balance constraints. The system should <br />establish one or more year -round schools. <br />5. Strengthen home - school partnerships. <br />The task force highly values mutual respect and responsibility among teachers, parents and <br />students. They recommend renewed efforts to involve parents more deeply in their schools; <br />parent encouragement of their children to meet all expectations and maintain high standards; to <br />provide opportunities for interaction with staff in the community; and parental contributions to <br />the schools' resources through the tax structure. <br />6. Expect and maintain a wholesome learning environment. <br />Task force members are concerned about the erosion of basic values of respect, honesty, <br />compassion, perseverance and responsibility. The task force believes those values are so basic <br />that they pervade the community. Each school should state clearly its expectations for behavior <br />and not tolerate violence, vandalism and disrespect. Good character can best be taught through <br />models at home and at school; however, individual schools/SGCs may wish to incorporate <br />character education in school improvement plans. <br />7. Continue the construction of new facilities and maintenance of existing <br />ones. <br />Overcrowding and anticipating enrollment growth were major concerns of the task force. The <br />members suggest the construction by the year 2001 of an eighth elementary school, a fourth <br />middle school, an addition at East Chapel Hill High School. The school system should <br />continue to collaborate with the county and towns to plan for and share new facilities. <br />8. Provide schools with modern computing and communications technologies. <br />The task force views technology as a tool to enhance the productivity of students and the <br />effectiveness of staff. The district and individual schools should: develop, annually update <br />and fund a plan for the use of technology for students and staff, network all schools and <br />provide access to the Internet from all work stations; create access to administrative files at <br />Lincoln Center to improve efficiency; and support efforts to make technology available in <br />homes and the community. <br />9. Support and strengthen site -based management. <br />School Governance Committees are critical to the implementation of the strategic plan. SGCs <br />are expected to use the plan as a blueprint for future initiatives. The school board should <br />conduct a comprehensive evaluation of site -based management, support and train SGC <br />members and ensure that they are representative of the school community. <br />Implementation <br />The strategic plan is consistent with recent school district initiatives. It is expected to be used <br />as a document by SGCs in the development and revision of School Improvement Plans and by <br />the school board in reviewing new proposals. <br />The implementation of the plan at both the district and school levels will be reviewed by the <br />year 2000. <br />iii <br />