As part of an ongoing process, the Quakertown Community School District has concluded a series of comprehensive planning sessions within the community, marking a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Quakertown schools. The district held three meetings which allowed input and feedback from several stakeholders, including students, community members, and staff.
Community members attending initial planning sessions
Expanding transparency and collaboration, the district invited these stakeholders to provide feedback and direction for projects and future development in the district schools. These first meetings focused on general goals for the comprehensive plan to achieve greater student success and formulate long-term strategic plans for the district. It also focuses on ways to ensure community engagement and involvement to achieve these goals. The second meeting focused on communications, facilities and finances, and the final meeting provided a venue for public comment and review of the plan by all stakeholders involved.
Chad Evans, supervisor of educational planning with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, led the charge for each planning session, encouraging the community to give feedback to each section of the plan individually.
“All Local Education Agencies in Pennsylvania are required to engage in a comprehensive planning process every three years. Although there are components to comprehensive planning that are highly compliance-driven, it does create opportunities to engage meaningfully with the community, parents, educators, administrators, and students themselves,” said Evans. “Developing that road map to the future is important work because not only does it help establish our priorities, goals, and actions, it helps keep our vision front and center.”
Staff and Quakertown citizens sit down to discuss student success tactics
Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman expressed his gratitude and excitement for the project throughout the process.
“The efforts of our staff and the steering committee, in addition to our community response, demonstrates a shared commitment to the future of Quakertown schools,” said Dr. Friedman. “Consistent feedback is an integral part of the planning process and ensures informed management from the start so that together we can develop the best plan possible for our schools."
Members of comprehensive planning session discuss career education
Based on these meetings, the Board of School Directors, along with district administration, incorporated feedback and suggestions to form an action plan which was presented at the school board meeting on Feb. 22. The full comprehensive plan will be available on the website for public comment. Following review and approval, the district plans to use the comprehensive plan as a foundation to build on and formulate a more expansive strategic plan and vision.