Agenda - 11-10-1998 - Attachment #10

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Report Development Process The Task Force held its initial meeting in May, 1996. In addition to receiving its charge, the Task Force was informed of the current status of the school district, the performance of the students, and the recent initiatives and priorities of the School Board. Public meetings were held in May and June to solicit input from the community and to generate ideas for the Task Force. During meetings over the summer and early fall, the Task Force reviewed the input from the public meetings. The group developed lists of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that currently face the school system. The school district's mission statement was reviewed and affirmed. The group developed a list of beliefs and values considered of highest importance. A vision for the graduate of the Chapel Hill- Carrboro school system was developed. Finally, goals and strategies were identified for inclusion in the report. Upon completion of the report, the Task Force will present its findings and recommendations to the Board of Education at the Board's annual February planning conference. After the public has had additional opportunities to comment, the Board is expected to adopt a final draft of the report later in the spring. Plans for using and disseminating the information in the report are outlined at the end of this document. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Strengths: Through the Task Force discussions and public meetings, a number of strengths were identified in our school system. Interestingly, several of these strengths also are identified as weaknesses because they do not always permeate the district and benefit all students equally. • High student achievement: On almost every measure of student academic achievement, the district leads the state or is very close to the top. • High academic expectations: The high school curriculum is perceived as rigorous, at least for students in honors and advanced placement courses. • Community's commitment and financial support: The district benefits from the largest local per -pupil expenditure in the state and one of the highest total per -pupil expenditures. The community has passed two bond referenda during the last ten years. • Parent and community involvement: Parent participation is extremely high at school functions. Parents and members of the community are actively involved in the schools as volunteers. Many parents provide a high level of support at home for their children's education. The PTA is extremely active, with the Thrift Shops raising approximately $350,000 annually to support school programs. • High quality staff Located in a growing, prosperous,. and university-based community, the district attracts well prepared teachers and supports them through a variety of professional development programs and one of the highest local salary supplements in the state. • Facilities and instructional resources: Although some facilities are aging and overcrowded, most schools provide an attractive and comfortable environment for staff and students and are relatively well equipped and supplied • Diverse community and student body: The community values and takes pride in its diversity and respect for cultural differences although there is a growing concern that the rising cost of living is reducing the economic diversity.