Process and Procedure Keep Us On Track

 This past week, research scientists identified a foreign species that has been introduced to the Atlantic Ocean’s habitat and the impact that it has had on the environment.  This fish commonly known as the Lion Fish has devastated the coastal water habitat.  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has sent dozens of scientists to study the problem and offer solutions.  In the mean time, local fishermen and local environmentalists have banded together to begin to do what they do best, capture and relocate the species.  So while the government studies and investigates the problem, the community takes action to begin implementing a logical and labor intensive solution.  

School districts, can be like the Atlantic Ocean, our Mineral County habitat, as with every other educational habitat, must take the lead towards preparedness; we do this by having the local school system establishing high quality researched policies and practical regulations to follow in order to protect and maintain the educational environment.  The best run organizations have developed processes that most folks don’t think about are the character in the organization that keeps us functioning. We don’t think about them because they are the things that sit in the background and keep us safe.  They are practical measures that we tend to assume will be present. So just as the Lion Fish of the Atlantic are studied, the ones who really deal with the needs of the local community are the people who are in the local community and are committed to do the right things.

Two weeks ago I provided you with the goals that the district is working towards during the 2008 – 2009 school year.  Last week the discussion centered on Goal 1 Student Achievement, which is what most of us see as the function of education.  I entered into education not recognizing all of the support systems that must be in place in order for school systems to operate.  In respect to all of the systems that are interdependent upon each other to get the current student population educated, there are additional expectations that are continually being added to the process.  These expectations have to also work within the organization. So, with increased regulatory requirements and no funds to make them happen how do we need to operate in our fast paced world?  The answer lies within the question and while it may seem too simplistic, it is the single way to keep us on track.  I am going to refer to it as “PROCESS and PROCDURE.”

Goal 2. Organizational.
All board policies will be reviewed and addressed for completeness and continuity with the Nevada Revised Statutes and Administrative Regulations.

During the months of June, July, and August the district administration is reviewing processes and procedures to ensure that as we have policies, we also have practical procedures to follow.  As of the date of this writing, we have completed revising and or developing processes and procedures for the following areas:

• Student Code of Conduct
• Attendance and Truancy
• Career and Technical Education
• Hiring Processes for Teachers
• Hiring Processes for Administrators
• District Improvement Planning Process

In terms of these processes and procedures, we have sent them and will continue to the school employees and others asking for comments and suggestions.  We have had comments and changes have been made. Our endeavor in the district is to provide the most transparent organization possible.  So, as you have opportunity, we need your input.  Each board meeting there is time allotted to community members to state concerns and or provides input for what we are doing.  We look forward to your knowledge and experiences to guide us. Great ideas are great ideas no matter where they come from or who shares them with us.  I don’t believe anyone has the market cornered on wisdom. If there are

Please know that anytime there is a problem, you are welcome and encouraged to contact us at the school and or district to solve the problem.  I have met dozens of community members this way and have found that you are our friends and supporters.  You are part of our community network that assists us in the necessary processes of educating our students.  The government does not have to send a team of experts here to study and provide us with ways to tame our Lion Fish Issues, we have very practical community members to lend a hand and assist in the processes and help in the development of procedures.  For this, I thank all of you.

This week, the Mineral County High School Solar Car team is competing to learn more about solar cars and make our world a better place.  Visit our website (http://www.mineral.k12.nv.us) to learn more about the team and the events taking place in Dallas, Texas.  My hat is off this week to the Solar Car Club, the sponsors and families who are part of our learning team.

July 10, 2008

Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground.  Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.