The Examiner U-46 News FeedU-46 superintendent goal for facilities examined By Seth Hancock
As recently reported, the Board of Education in School District U-46 approved of goals for Superintendent Suzanne Johnson on Dec. 11, 2023.
The nine-page document includes five goals which include performance goals for Johnson, how the goal aligns with the district’s mission, how the goals are measured, primary action needed and a timeline.
This week, The Examiner will detail the fourth goal which states: “U46 will establish and operate inclusive, efficient, safe and equitable learning environments.”
On Johnson’s performance goal, the document states she will develop a three- to five-year building and facilities plan that outlines the priorities that align with the board’s vision along with budget information. She will provide the board monthly updates.
The document lists several ways how the goal aligns with the district: “Research shows that the facilities impact learning and engagement; Balanced class sizes will allow for more teaming opportunities; Fewer buildings will result in more efficient operations; Increased early childhood opportunities will result in improved outcomes for all students as they matriculate through the system; Scheduled maintenance will improve the annual budgeting process, decrease the need for emergency repairs and decrease risk factors; and, Inclusive educational environments will improve compliance, reduce potential litigation, and may lead to feelings of belonging.”
The goal will be measured by various data on enrollment and buildings.
There are eight primary actions for the goal including executing planned facility updates, identifying buildings for retirement or renovations/replacement, obtaining property for new construction, building a maintenance schedule, developing baselines for renovations, developing security baselines, developing a facilities committee schedule and reviewing and responding to survey results.
This is a seven-year goal with determining elementary schools for closure in one year, establishing new attendance boundaries in three years, transitioning to a sixth to eighth grade middle school model in four years and addressing all recommendations from the Unite U-46 in seven years.
If progress is not being made, the document states: “Periodically reassess the recommendations from Unite U-46 to determine viability given changing conditions and budget constraints.”
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