When is a goal not a goal? When it
’s a vision, Morgan Hill School Board members were told by board
watcher Harlan Warthen at a recent meeting. And for almost the
first time, he was backed up by trustee Del Foster.
When is a goal not a goal? When it’s a vision, Morgan Hill School Board members were told by board watcher Harlan Warthen at a recent meeting. And for almost the first time, he was backed up by trustee Del Foster.
The result of Warthen’s questioning the vision/goal statement is a new subcommittee of Foster and trustee Amina Khemici who will work with district staff to develop real goals.
Superintendent Carolyn McKennan led the board through the list of priorities that emerged from a March goal-setting session. The list of four named unity of board purpose, a chance for student success, dealing with change and communicating well with employees and the public as goals of importance. She said the Aug. 9 board meeting was the target date for adopting the goals.
But during public comment Warthen challenged the list.
“This is all fine and dandy but these are not goals; they are visions,” Warthen said. “Goals must be specifically defined. They must be measured. They must be attainable and have a defined time period. How do you measure communicating with employees and the community?” he asked.
A few days after the July 19 meeting Warthen elaborated, saying he has taught many professional classes in goal-setting.
“Goals should be S.M.A.R.T.,” he said, “or specific, measurable, attainable, rewarding and timely.”
The accompanying staff-provided chart of more detailed activities, which was not discussed, does break down into action items with general timelines (June 2005) though few meet Warthen’s criteria.
Foster said he agreed.
“They are too touchy-feely,” said Foster. “As goals they are not definitive enough.”
Foster wasn’t alone seeking firmer direction.
“We’re looking for something with teeth,” said Board President George Panos.
Trustee Shellé Thomas joined Foster in criticizing the goals’ weaknesses.
“I’m not buying into any of this,” said Thomas. “The facilitator was paid to create core values, not these ‘goals.’ I want a road map, a game plan.”
As suggested by the report, goal number three – communicating with employees and the public – would be accomplished by submitting regular “contributions” to The Times and two other area newspapers but does not say how many, how often or what they would cover.
A second activity would find the superintendent reporting on positive events in the district at the beginning of each meeting and trustees would report on visits to school sites.
Goal number two did include more specifics on students scoring on achievement tests.
Goal three concerned learning to accept change included getting parents involved, aligning board core values with school site plans and anticipating normal change.
“Getting parents involved is not a measurable goal,” Foster said. “Establishing a program to do so is. Cutting the truancy rate by 25 percent by June 2005 is.”
The March board retreat, led by the facilitator, cost the district about $3,000, $2,500 for the facilitator plus a fee for the conference room.
McKennan asked Panos to appoint “a board member or two to sit with us (to develop goals) because we are not clear.” Foster and Khemici volunteered.
Goals will once again be on the agenda Monday night, along with a decision by trustees to act on requests from high school students for transfers from their home school, or to take no action.
The Board of Education will hold its regular meeting Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the District Office, 15600 Concord Circle. Details: 201-6000.
