Parent Focus Group Recommendation
Dear WCS Community,
The past several months, a group of about 35 parents and key staff members from the district, known as Focus Group A, came together to participate in a strategic planning process that was run by Dr. Mike Wilmot from the Michigan Leadership Institute. Additionally, there was a 2nd group of about 70 parents and community members, known as Focus Group B, who also came together to participate.
A key function of the strategic planning process was to allow both groups to identify the district’s strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities, identify key Focus Areas with their pros and cons, and eventually, make a set of observations and recommendations for the Board of Education to consider about the district’s future.
This process was not designed for parents and staff to decide what should be cut, which may have been on the minds of many people when the groups began. I must say candidly, however, the process was very well balanced and provided for numerous conversations and discussions among parents and staff about key focus areas of the district.
After several sessions reviewing the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities, Focus Group A agreed upon a set of Focus Areas and provided the pros and cons of each of them. From those discussions developed the observations and recommendations for the Board of Education to consider as the financial stability and future of the school district is in serious jeopardy.
Sincerely,
WCS Parent Focus Group
