Around 33 people discussed the future of York County Schools in the cafeteria at Tabb High School on Wednesday at the first of two town hall-style forums this week.
The second forum begins at 7 p.m. at Bruton High School. The forums were designed to solicit input for the division’s strategic plan, which was last updated in 2007-08. The School Board will first refine its mission and goals, while the division’s administrators and staff will craft the objectives.
Superintendent Eric Williams told the audience the strategic plan is a living, breathing document that the division uses to guide its staff and its budget. “What you’re doing is not an empty exercise,” he said.
On Wednesday, attendees joined tables where York County Schools staffers facilitated discussions about the division’s successes and what skills and experiences students should have before they graduate.
The participants were asked to recognize what the division is doing right by sharing what makes them proud. Parents were effusive, praising York schools for its committed teachers, collaborative atmosphere with parents, variety of programming for all students, rigorous curriculum and drive to offer more than the “bare minimum.” A military parent also noted the school division is accommodating to their transient lifestyles.
Parents were challenged to share specific experiences they’ve had with the school division that demonstrated excellence. One mother said teachers had helped her sons become organized, which showed her they cared about teaching more than just subject matter. Another mother said her son’s coaches helped him develop, learn how to deal with losses and carry himself with dignity.
When asked to come up with skills and experiences students should have, parents put an emphasis on skills that translate to the workplace and experiences that will serve students well beyond their schooling years. These included teaching students to think critically, develop a global outlook, make connections between their lessons and their lives and learn planning and leadership skills.
York County School Board Chair Barbara Haywood said the format of the forum was a first for the division and she was impressed with the dialogues she overheard as she floated from table to table. She has her own personal goals for the division; she wants the division to turn out not only graduates, but citizens of the world who are civically engaged and able to carry themselves with confidence.
At the conclusion of the evening, participants were asked to finish this sentence: “Excellence in York County Schools is …” Some wrote paragraphs; one person simply wrote, “teamwork.”
“It will be interesting to look at the cards,” Haywood said, “and I loved to hear the dialogue.”
The strategic planning process will be year-long, with several other opportunities for community members to weigh in on the future of the division.
