WOODBURY: The Cannon County Board of Education adopted a mission statement at the meeting on Thu., Nov. 10, 2022. The statement was adopted unanimously.
On Thu., Oct. 6, 2022, board members participated in a TSBA (Tennessee School Boards Association) retreat with Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and William Freddy Curtis, Director of Cannon County Schools. The retreat focused on establishing guidance for planning a mission statement, and goals. This process is a part of CCBE Policy 1.701, “The Board shall develop and implement a written five (5) year strategic plan that addresses identified priority needs and provides for continuous student growth and improvement. The plan shall be updated every two (2) years and shall align with requirements of the State Board of Education… the board shall develop annual plans with specific goals for improving student performance and that operationalize (sic) the district’s five (5) year strategic plan.”
The Cannon County Board of Education’s revised vision for Cannon County Schools is to be “actively engage in excellence every day in every way.”
This is a revision of the previous “vision,” “engaged in excellence every day and every way,” and will emphasize “actively” that excellence will be furthered.
The Cannon County Board of Education revised mission statement is:
“To create a unified environment of excellence that will provide opportunities for all students to succeed and reach their full potential.”
The aim is that all employees should be able to articulate the mission statement to all upon request.
Goals
Cannon County Schools will:
· Develop and implement a long-range educational plan that provides opportunities and resources for all students, faculty, and staff
· Provide a safe and supportive learning environment in a unified community
· Create a “culture of excellence” through high expectations in all areas
· Engage families and the community as partners in the learning process
These goals include nine planning categories: student learning and growth; school board operation; school district administration; instructional programs and services; support services; financial resources; personnel; physical resources; and community involvement. These will be accomplished through development of objectives and strategies to carry out each goal, which is the responsibility of the director of schools and Cannon County Schools staff.
Beliefs
· Best possible facilities and resources for students, faculty, and staff;
· Schools and families are an integral part of our community;
· Communication is the bridge that connects schools and families;
· Every student, parent/guardian, faculty member, and employee deserves to feel safe and supported;
· Attendance is a vital component to student learning;
· All students learn in different ways;
· Learning must be meaningful, relevant, and prepare students for their future;
· All members of a school are educators;
· Everyone holds high expectations for themselves and their students;
· All interactions should demonstrate care and respect for one another;
· All decisions should be data-driven and tailored to meet the needs of each student, via the use of consistent high-quality instruction, resources, and life experiences;
· Career technical education focus beginning at the middle grades level through high school;
· Energetic morale and attitude by all to support teachers and schools;
· Unity among school community for common goals and positive results;
· Potential leaders being developed across the school system;
· Consistent discipline at every school;
· Accountability and transparency at all levels.
Director of Cannon County Schools and Cannon County Board of Education Secretary William Freddy Curtis said, “The revised vision statements… are our continuing rallying points for (the) 2022-23 school year. From this document we will develop our strategic plan. CCBE Policy 1.701 also states that we will ‘1. review progress on the implementation of priorities, initiatives, and long-range plans; 2. determine which goals have been achieved and whether any new efforts are needed; 3. review major issues that may affect the school system in the future; and 4. create an annual plan for district improvement. The principal of each school shall work with the director of schools to develop and implement a school improvement plan that is student focused and in support of the board improvement plan. The plan shall be updated annually and address the long-range strategic plan of the school district.’ All of this means that the elected members of the Cannon County Board of Education, along with our outstanding educators of Cannon County Schools, will jointly work together to fulfill our revised vision ‘to actively engage in excellence every day in every way!’ through our revise mission ‘to create an environment of excellence that will provide opportunities for all students to succeed and reach their full potential.’ These goals develop and implement a long-range educational plan that provides opportunities and resources for all students, faculty, and staff; provide a safe and supportive learning environment in a unified community. Creating a ‘culture of excellence’ through high expectations in all areas; engage families and the community as partners in the learning process, occupies my every waking moment and will be the focus of every teacher, principal, and staff member of all Cannon County Schools and should be for every citizen of Cannon County. It’s all about students learning; every decision, every action. Learning matters. The mindset of this board of education and myself is one toward the future of Cannon County Schools. The bottom line and last phrase is ‘Cannon excels,'”
Contact William Freddy Curtis, Director of Cannon County Schools at (629) 201-4801, ext. 10101, or at williamf.curtis@ccstn.net for information.