In a recent blog post, Superintendent Jeff Marsden introduced a five year Strategic Plan addressing the direction of the school district. “Medfield 2021: A Vision for the Future” is the culmination of months of work synthesizing community input, focus group data and survey feedback by Dr. Marsden and the School Committee. The Strategic Plan, “Medfield 2021,” a 37-page document, encompasses five major themes and can be read in full detail on the district’s website www.medfield.net.
Initially, nine focus groups were formed from the following populations: Parents (two groups), Elementary Teachers, Secondary Teachers, Town Officials/MEMO, Senior Citizens, MHS students, MPS Leadership Team, and School Committee.
Findings from the focus group meetings informed the creation of a survey for all district parents/guardians, faculty and staff, local organizations and businesses in the community. The resulting survey, “The Family School Relationship Survey” was distributed via email in June 2015, gathering specific data about experiences with and impressions of the Medfield Public Schools.
“I was pleased with the strong participation to the survey. There were 800 responses providing us with the input and insights that the team and I were seeking. The data and feedback collected during the focus groups and survey were critical in developing our five overarching goals and action items,” noted Dr. Marsden.
The themes or goals of “Medfield 2021: A Vision for the Future” are Collaborative Learning, Well Being, The Whole Child, Community, and Facilities and Equipment. Within each theme are strategies that all have specified persons responsible, indicators, timelines and evaluators.
“The School Committee's goal was to gather, analyze and prioritize feedback from the entire Medfield community and I am grateful for the input and proud of the results. It was a thoughtful process. Under many of the listed goals, parent feedback/forums will be essential. A continued working partnership between the families and schools will be part of the success of Medfield 2021,” commented Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke, School Committee Vice Chairman.
The final draft of the Strategic Plan, “Medfield 2021,” was presented to the community at the December 19, 2016 School Committee meeting. A ten-day open comment period followed during which 33 responses to the plan from the public were addressed.
Major steps toward meeting the goals of “Medfield 2021” began quickly with two key additions to district personnel. In the areas of Well Being and The Whole Child, David Worthley, Ed. D. joined the staff at the high school as the Coordinator of Social/Emotional Learning. As leader of R.I.S.E. (Resilience in Student Efficacy), a transition program, Dr. Worthley supports students returning from significant absence from school due to many different circumstances.
“The R.I.S.E. program has already shown results in helping kids transition back to school after a traumatic event. Our hope is that we can expand the program in the coming years to avoid adding to the stress a student already feels returning to school after a sustained absence,” said School Committee member Tim Bonfatti.
As building renovation and maintenance projects continue to present challenges and opportunities, Facilities and Equipment became an important fifth theme of “Medfield 2021.” Working in concert with the Town of Medfield’s overall long-term planning needs, Jerry McCarty was hired as the Director of Facilities. Mr. McCarty brings a wealth of experience to this role and will oversee all facilities issues for Medfield. Mr. McCarty’s expertise and forthcoming 20-year capital maintenance plan is a key component of “Medfield 2021.”
“‘Medfield 2021’ is a wonderful road map for everyone in the district. This was a rich and informative process. We are fully aware of the work that remains to be done and we are committed to seeing all the great initiatives put into action,” said School Committee Chairman Maryanne Sullivan.
