Warren school district OKs strategic plan
Goals ranging from staying within balanced-budget limitations to boosting student achievement test scores were established Tuesday night as part of Warren Township High School's strategic plan.
Feedback from two open forums involving the community was used to help craft the five-year strategic plan, which has long- and short-term goals for Gurnee-based Warren District 121. Warren's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were considered.
On the education side, Warren will shoot to have 90 percent of students pass proficiency standards of the Prairie State Achievement Exam within three years. Another goal is to have the district's academic program aligned with college readiness standards, within available financial resources, by June 2011.
Education consultant James Warren of Deerfield-based Jilicks Ltd. led the planning process for Warren. He said district officials have set lofty classroom goals.
Warren Superintendent Phil Sobocinski said collaboration with elementary districts that feed pupils into the high school system will help achieve the academic goals.
"Learning won't be an option at Warren. It will be mandatory for all children," Sobocinski told a crowd at a special meeting that included Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik and Woodland Elementary District 50 Superintendent Joy Swoboda.
Warren's financial goal is to remain within balanced-budget restrictions. Spending will be prioritized when needed, with safety at the top of the list.
As for space needs, Warren will hire an independent consultant to examine the Almond Road upperclassmen campus and the freshmen-sophomore O'Plaine Road building. To be completed by July 16 for no more than $10,000, part of the process will explore the ability of each building to hold 2,400 pupils..
In addition, the District 121 board plans intends to a develop land-purchase strategy by December and building options next year.
District 121 board members approved the five-year strategic plan by a 7-0 vote at Tuesday's meeting.