A Portrait of a Spartan Graduate released in November by Fayette County School Corporation is what the community wants, according to results from a survey.
At its Jan. 13 meeting, Lauren Starr of Starr Consulting provided the school board with an update on a strategic planning process that has been underway since last summer. It is nearing completion.
She explained that the planning process started with a board retreat last July and has included members of the corporation’s administration, staff, teachers and the public. She was to meet with teachers on Monday to share a draft plan and then would be preparing a final version.
She said “core themes bubbled up” many times in meetings with various groups as well as in a community survey.
The corporation publicized a community survey and received 580 responses in December. Responses included 388 from parents/guardians, 117 from staff, 42 from community members, 19 from local business and industry and 14 others.
The survey asked what people believe the local schools do well, what could be improved and what could be added. Several questions related to the corporation’s Portrait of a Spartan Graduate. Released in November, the portrait is a graphic representation of the traits hoped for in graduates of Connersville High School.
When he released the portrait in late November, Superintendent Jeremy Duncan wrote, “I hope that this Portrait is a clear, thoughtful expression of who we want our students to become after 13+ years of partnership with their families, teachers, and community.”
It “was created by members of our FCSC Directional Team, a collaborative group made up of representatives from each of our school buildings. The team includes a cross-section of certified, classified, and administrative staff,” Duncan said.
Starr reported to the board that top priorities identified in the community survey included strengthening academic achievement, expanding career pathways and improving student mental health and well-being.
It identified public concerns with staff shortages, meeting student needs through services like food pantries, technology access and effective use.
Several questions dealt with the Portrait of a Spartan Graduate.
“If we have a successful strategic plan, this is what we want to produce,” Starr said. Of those responding to the survey, 85 percent said the portrait encapsulates what a well-rounded graduate should look like. The survey identified factors that would lead to that portrait.
The No. 1 priority is having “life-ready graduates,” prepared for a career or further education and ready to take a productive place in the community.
No. 2 is student achievement; No. 3, whole-child support and well-being; No. 4, developing a positive school culture and belonging in the schools; No. 5, relationships of communications and trust at all levels; and No. 6, operational excellence to support all of the functions of the school corporation.
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