Gavin schools to focus on community

Gavin Elementary District 37 is launching improvement planning teams to address future goals related to high student achievement: respectful relationships in schools and the community, financial stability, quality building and grounds and technology.

"Our goal is to re-engage the community and reach out to stakeholders to get them involved in the school and in planning for the future," Superintendent John Ahlemeyer said.

Meetings are being scheduled for new finance and facilities team, technology team and the learning and connections team.

Both the finance and facilities team and the technology team met in November.

Each team started with nine members from the community and Gavin employees. At the opening meeting, teams reviewed goals and began to set next steps. Membership is open to join both groups.

The finance and facility team meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 in the Gavin South Junior High Library. Held in conjunction with a special board meeting, a presentation will be made regarding the status of the current district financial picture. Information regarding future forecasting and district financial planning also will be presented. The technology team meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Gavin Central School Library. Members will assess and share networking information for the future, discuss better use of existing technology, tour both schools, learn about a SMART Board and investigate distant learning technologies. The learning and connection team, which will work on student achievement and caring community goals, set its first meeting Wednesday, Jan. 21. Community members and parents are represented on this team, but by invitation only. Visit the Web site gavin37.org for updates on all school improvement efforts.