January 11, 2024

Dear Catskill School District Community,

I am delighted to share with you an exciting initiative that will shape the future of our school district: the creation of a Long Range Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA). This endeavor is aimed at fortifying our commitment to excellence in education and ensuring the sustained growth and success of our students and community.

Over the past several months, our district has embarked on a comprehensive planning process facilitated by CASDA. The goal of this partnership is to identify our district’s strengths, address challenges, and chart a course for the future that aligns with the evolving needs of our students and community.

As we move forward, the creation of specific, measurable, and attainable goals will be a central focus. These goals will serve as guideposts, providing a clear and tangible framework for our efforts over the coming years. Our commitment is to foster an environment that not only meets the immediate needs of our students but also prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Additionally, we are excited to announce our intention to revisit and refine our mission and vision statements as part of this strategic planning process. These statements are the foundation of our identity as a school district and should reflect our collective values, aspirations, and commitment to excellence. By updating these statements, we aim to rebrand our district and reinforce our dedication to providing a world-class education for every student.

We understand the importance of transparency and collaboration in this process, and we encourage your continued involvement and feedback. We will be hosting forums for all stakeholder groups, surveys, and meetings to ensure that your voices are heard and considered throughout the development of the Long Range Strategic Plan.

Our strategic planning process is guided by a comprehensive five-phase approach that encompasses the following key elements:

1. Data Collection:

In the initial phase, we will focus on gathering a wealth of data to inform our decision-making process. This involves a thorough examination of academic performance, demographic trends, community feedback, and other pertinent information. The insights gleaned from this data will lay the foundation for a holistic understanding of our district’s current state and potential areas for improvement.

2. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis:

Building on the data collected, we will conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis. This process allows us to identify and leverage our district’s strengths, address weaknesses, explore potential opportunities, and develop strategies to mitigate potential threats. The SWOT analysis serves as a vital tool in shaping our strategic priorities.

3. Mission Vision Goals:

With a clear understanding of our district’s landscape, we will engage stakeholders in collaborative discussions to revisit and refine our mission and vision statements. These statements, along with the identification of specific, measurable, and attainable goals, serve as the guiding principles for our strategic planning efforts. They encapsulate our collective aspirations and commitment to excellence.

4. Strategic Action Plan:

The development of a detailed Strategic Action Plan is currently underway. This plan will outline the specific initiatives and interventions required to achieve our identified goals. It will serve as a roadmap, guiding our district through the implementation of strategic priorities and ensuring that our efforts are focused, intentional, and aligned with our mission and vision.

5. Goal Monitoring and Revision:

Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in the final phase of our strategic planning process. We will establish a robust system for monitoring progress toward our goals, regularly assessing our performance, and making necessary revisions to adapt to evolving circumstances. This iterative approach ensures that our strategic plan remains dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our students and community.

The success of our district is a shared responsibility, and we are confident that this strategic planning initiative will pave the way for a future that embraces innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to collectively shaping the future of our school district.

We are grateful for the active participation and input from our school community thus far, and we encourage your ongoing engagement as we progress through these phases. Together, we are shaping a future that embraces innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence.

Below please find a timeline that outlines times and dates for this process. All stakeholders are encouraged to attend their appropriate forum and all stakeholders are encouraged to attend the Board of Education Forum, which is open to the public.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to achieving great milestones together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Wilson
Superintendent of Schools

Long Range Strategic Plan Forum Dates, Times and Locations

January 18, 2024

Community Forum 6:00-7:00 pm – Catskill High School Library – Meeting for Community members that do not have children in the district or parents who cannot attend the parent forum

January 24, 2024

Administration Forum 3:40-4:40 pm – Catskill High School Library – Meeting for all Catskill CSD supervisors and administrators
Parent Forum 5:00-6:00 pm – Catskill High School Library – Meeting for all parents of the Catskill CSD
Board of Education Forum 6:30-7:30 pm – Catskill High School Library – BOE workshop meeting

January 31, 2024

Elementary Staff Forum 8:00-8:45 am – Catskill Elementary School Library – Meeting for all staff who work at CES
High School Student Forum 10:35 am-12:00 pm – Catskill High School Cafeteria – Meetings during CHS lunch periods for students
Middle School Student Forum 12:05-12:45 pm – Catskill High School Cafeteria – Meeting during CMS lunch period for students

February 5, 2024

Secondary Staff Forum 2:30-3:15 pm – Catskill High School Auditorium – Meeting for all staff at CHS and CMS