Public schools’ strategic plan in progress
Much of last night’s November meeting of Oconee school trustees centered on student achievement and how learning is made more effective. Superintendent Andy Smith gave a status report on an ongoing strategic plan survey that looks to the community as a whole for ideas and general feedback. And two assistant superintendents – Murray and Liebman – addressed the county district’s newest report card – shared findings on how Oconee public schools fare in comparison. One of the takeaways, as reported by Dr. Ashley Murray, assistant superintendent for elementary instruction, is that none of Oconee’s schools rate below average or unsatisfactory. Average was a key word, as both Murray and her middle and high school counterpart, Alyssa Leibman, spoke confidently of the commitment among the individual schools to reach and hold an excellent level. Three elementary schools – Keowee, Walhalla, and Tamassee-Salem – are currently considered excellent places for learning. According to the state Department of Education, a district strategic plan must set priorities and efforts to focus on raising student achievement for all students, prevent academic problems, and reduce identified gaps in the report card.
