MOUNT VERNON — A comprehensive discussion of district goals and objectives was the main purpose of Monday’s special meeting of the Mount Vernon City Schools Board of Education. The deliberations covered a range of topics, from community relations, to curriculum, facilities, finances, staff relations and support services.
Board members said the overriding mission behind the development of specific goals is to increase transparency about the operation of the district, to improve the communication between the school district and the community at large and to demonstrate accountability at all levels.
Working from a draft copy prepared by Superintendent Steve Short, they talked at length about specific strategies that could be employed, emphasizing that the intermediate steps need to be measurable and verifiable.
Four major goals were identified as being the most important: The renewal levy; making financial information readily available to the community; explaining the curriculum; and providing timely updates about things such as individual building highlights and changes in educational law. The board also wants to expand the district’s website so it is a better source for information about the district.
