Stakeholders gather to chart course for SD#4

As Big Horn County School District No. 4 looks to update their strategic plan from 2017, they will be largely focused on staff retention and creating real-life career learning and academic growth opportunities for their students, all in an attempt to bring professionals back to the little town of Basin. 

“Part of that is getting input from different stakeholder groups,” Superintendent Keith Campbell said in a special meeting on Monday, March 2. Doug Hazen, who has been hired through Crafted Consulting to develop the district’s new strategic plan, has already met with students and staff members to hear their feedback. Monday, community members were invited to give their two cents. 

“This is kind of one of the last phases, I would say, until we can eventually go back to the board and start looking to make a more polished product,” Hazen said. 

The district’s 2017 strategic plan goals are as follows:

Goal 1 – All schools will meet or exceed targets for local, state and federal accountability. 

Goal 2 – We will develop and implement a district-wide communications plan to foster two-way communication among the district and stakeholders. 

Goal 3 – We will create a positive and supportive culture that includes students, staff, families and community. Our district will promote a safe and supportive learning environment. 

Students surveyed by Hazen reportedly had input on fairness in regard to behaviors and discipline, as well as what should be sent home as homework. Teachers were focused on burnout prevention, mental health and overall staff retention, as well as technology advancements. 

On Monday, staff retention was again a big talking point, with added discussion around bringing the school out into the larger community and vice versa. 

“I think what we’re sensing within our community, especially with an aging population, is a lot of our students leave and don’t come home, and there’s a big sense of apathy, right now in our community, is what it feels like,” Jennifer Kirk said. 

Danae Bales followed a similar thread, suggesting that the school, businesses and citizens work to get students out in their community, bridging a gap between students and their hometown and showing them the opportunities that exist there. Riverside Middle High School Principal Matt Jensen chimed in that there are currently programs in place that allow students to experience the workforce, but it would be beneficial to diversify those offerings. 

“I think sometimes when we live in this small of a town, we don’t realize how big the world is outside and all the different things that are available to you,” Kirk said. “For them to know and understand that your station in life coming from a small town or a more rural, underserved area doesn’t mean that you can’t go accomplish big things and maybe come back and make your town a little bit better of a place.” 

Hazen pointed out that the conversation feeds back into staff retention needs as well – getting teachers to stay in the community by bolstering local business and offerings. 

As presented, the district’s new strategic plan focus areas would include:

Student Learning and Academic Achievement -- All students will experience measurable academic growth through high-quality instruction, strong literacy development, and effective systems of student support.

Well-Rounded Graduates -- All students will graduate prepared for life beyond high school with the skills, experiences and confidence needed to pursue their goals and adapt to an ever-changing world. 

Innovative Teaching and Active Learning -- All classrooms will foster engaging, student-centered learning environments that promote curiosity, active participation, and a strong sense of belonging.

Staff Recruitment and Retention -- The district will attract, support, and retain high-quality staff who work collaboratively to ensure the success and well-being of all students.

Hazen maintained that these goals would support individual student growth over standardized testing achievement, programs to prepare students for the real world, and allow teachers to focus on improving their instruction and hopefully, keep them in the community. The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for the district’s administrators for the next 3-7 years. 

“What we’re looking for is a direction, what should we be thinking of moving forward, what haven’t we thought of already, and what should we reinforce and really prioritize,” said Campbell.