No Plan for North Hills.........Yet

North Hills School. We have no plan. That’s the bottom line of the conversations that took place last Monday evening.
The truth is, we do not have a recently updated, solidly thought out plan based on facts and assumptions and best guesses for any of our buildings. Yes, we have maintenance plans, and update plans and general operating plans, but we lack a strategic buildings and grounds plan that reflects current realities and future trends.
There, it is said. And having said that, it behooves us as a community and district to develop just such a plan. The buildings are, after all, the property of the residents of the district. And a well thought plan is the best way to insure the future of the district and the resources.
We have spent much of the past three years addressing academic performance. The results have been nothing short of dramatic. And that in spite of an ever rising bar set by the state. Our test scores have risen with gratifying results. Our entire staff is to be complimented on this hard won achievement.
Lest we rest too comfortably, there is every possibility that we may not be able to continue to advance those scores as we have in the recent past. The reasons are legion, but they are all related to the fact that new requirements keep entering the system.
As the bar drops for including the test scores of the lowest achieving group, the average score is harder to maintain. Many of our neighboring districts are experiencing this phenomenon for the first time. They will have challenges holding their positions as well. More of those calculations another time, let us focus on the immediate future.
In our zeal for academic improvement we have shorted planning for the future. We have let slide a building and infrastructure plan.
The community members who attended the Monday meeting did not put it so bluntly, but their comments begged the questions, “What’s next? What’s your plan?” And they are legitimate questions.
It was just those sorts of questions the board was asking in January when there was a proposal to borrow for ten years the monies committed to us from the levy renewals last spring and begin major projects on many of our buildings. The first question asked was, “What’s the plan for this building for the next ten years?”
When we realized there was not a good answer we put the brakes on doing the major projects until such time as we could figure out what that plan should be for each building in the district. We are, however, moving ahead with projects that were essential to the maintenance and longevity of the buildings. We are addressing safety issues first.
Apart from retaining a great interim superintendent, the best thing that may have come from the Monday meeting is the realization that there are many community members eager to be a part of planning for the future. They know that schools are the bedrock of the community and want to be a part of insuring the future of their schools and their community. They are willing to invest time and talent into that planning process.
As Dr. Baker hands over the reins to Mr. Young the next few weeks, be thinking about what part you want play in the next steps for your schools. And yes, there is a board seat to be appointed. Your letter of interest and resume’ would be welcome. There will be a plan.