1. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006

2. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006

3. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Introductions Headlee Amendment Announcement Spirit of the Process Why do this? What is expected of the Steering Committee and its members? How will the process work?

4. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Introductions Headlee Amendment Announcement Spirit of the Process Why do this? What is expected of the Steering Committee and its members? How will the process work?

6. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Introductions Headlee Amendment Announcement Spirit of the Process Why do this? What is expected of the Steering Committee and its members? How will the process work?

7. Spirit of the Process Superintendent James Feil, who will ultimately be responsible for making decisions and recommendations to the Board regarding the Long Term Master Plan, emphasized that the process would include ample opportunity for public input. “ Given the impact of the project, we foresee a very public process and are committed to incorporating the input of the community. The Steering Committee membership is designed to represent a cross section of the community. The group includes representation from all areas and all age groups within the region. It reflects a group with vast expertise and experience. We are very eager to begin to draw upon their energy and enthusiasm for this process.” Spirit of the Process

8. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Introductions Headlee Amendment Announcement – (See info at end of these presentation notes) Spirit of the Process Why do this? What is expected of the Steering Committee and its members? How will the process work?

9. Why do this? Beginning with the “why” is essential. If we don’t understand why we are doing the work we will certainly fail. The compelling “why” will keep us in focus.

10. Traverse City’s connection to the World

11. Traverse City is interconnected not only to the region, state and country but also the world. Events that happen elsewhere, impact Traverse City. Traverse City is a part of an ever changing and dynamic system. Traverse City’s connection to the World

12. Explosion of Information

13. Explosion of Information Information is compounding at an unbelievable rate. Managing the information and the implications it brings is a challenge in today’s world.

14. Accelerating Pace of Change

15. Accelerating Pace of Change Today we have more technology in our cell phones than NASA had when they landed the first person on the Moon. Technology will continue to improve and bring changes to our lives.

16. Lots of connections, but of what quality?

17. As stated we are connected to the world, and through technology, to each other at a rate never before seen in our society. But the quality of those connections can be debated. In our fast paced society many people feel more isolated than recent generations. Lots of connections, but of what quality?

18. Abundance and Scarcity

19. Abundance and Scarcity In our fast changing world many people view things in terms of scarcity rather than abundance. This perception doesn’t allow us to see all the possibilities that exist.

20. China – resources of 4 Earths to support growth

21. China – resources of 4 Earths to support growth Even though we have abundant resources our planet cannot support the reckless use of these resources. Presently we have a few countries using resources at a rate that will eventually put pressure on our entire planet. We must be intentional in conserving our environment.

22. “ Red-Blue” divide overstates differences

23. “ Red-Blue” divide overstates differences As people feel isolated they tend to believe that our country is very polarized. For example they view our states as either being red or blue. The reality is that our states are shades of purple. We share common beliefs on a variety of issues but our perceptions get in the way of this discovery.

24. Putting aside differences for a common good

25. Putting aside differences for a common good We can only build on what it is that we share and not what divides. When opportunity is there we can come together and work for the common good. The problem is that most of these opportunities don’t happen unless there is a crisis.

26. Community Dialogue The Steering Committee discussed three questions in small groups of four to six people each. The following slides record some of the group dialogue around the following three questions. Why are we going through this process? Beyond logic, why do we go through this process? Given what is happening in the world, how does this impact the classrooms of Traverse City?

27. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006

28. Question 1 Why are we going through this process? “ If it is to be it is up to me.” It is important to prevent us from dividing our community. Build our level of trust Learn the deeper issues that TCAPS faces Community involvement creates investment Broaden access to information for making decisions Be open minded and believe in the community process

29. Question 1 Why are we going through this process? Democracy allows informed people to make better decisions. To better meet the needs of those that own the schools Keep retention of students Can’t separate the educational system from the community system Bring our narrow opinions together Glean more diversified opinions

30. Question 1 Why are we going through this process? Our community has a responsibility to assist in these decisions. Determine what guides the school system and drives the decisions Invest in our kids now for the future.

31. Question 2 Beyond logic, why do we go through this process? Why the question? Do I trust the questionnaire? Try to make an excellent school system even better To get outside the box To smooth the political process for decision makers It’s about our kids and our future

32. Question 2 Beyond logic, why do we go through this process? The district must meet every niche desire of every parent. Preservation of community and the community needs its children Pushes us to look ahead Trying to meet the needs of kids that are different today

33. Question 2 Beyond logic, why do we go through this process? CYA theory. Each individual family and parent will do what is best for their child. Sharing the experience of change makes it more likely that change will happen Feeling of responsibility to the process Build community trust with the school

34. Question 2 Beyond logic, why do we go through this process? Get as creative as possible within the constraints of the budget problems Hold the administration accountable for the decisions made Being well informed can help understanding

35. Question 3 Given what is happening in the world, how does that impact the classrooms of Traverse City? We need to get beyond only teaching them to live in their society, but to live in the larger world society. Schools have to be aware of the world and teach our kids to be competitive in the world’s market. People will react against centralization and leveling and seek alternatives such as Montessori.

36. Question 3 Given what is happening in the world, how does that impact the classrooms of Traverse City? Higher expectations. There need to be new and exciting ways to interest them. Teach kids to be critical thinkers and to ask the right questions. Broader views will be taken back into the classroom.

37. Question 3 Given what is happening in the world, how does that impact the classrooms of Traverse City? Our children need to broaden their horizons. Explosion makes career jobs ever changing. Are we preparing them to adapt and change?

38. Question 3 Given what is happening in the world, how does that impact the classrooms of Traverse City? Must have relevance More important to teach students how to learn – not the information to learn We tend to look back (personal education experience) not forward.

39. Question 3 Given what is happening in the world, how does that impact the classrooms of Traverse City? There is less diversity in our community than in the world. How will teachers be able to keep up? A high school education will not be enough. We need to invest in education not take money from it. Information is overwhelming. How do we filter?

40. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Introductions Headlee Amendment Announcement Spirit of the Process Why do this? What is expected of the Steering Committee and its members? How will the process work?

41. Product and Process

42. Product and Process Process versus product is a natural tension. We need both to achieve success. It is not an “either/or” but an “and”. Product helps keep people engaged as they see progress, and the process helps sustain the effort with a systemic method.

48. Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members Thoroughly study the different issues confronting TCAPS at this time. All of the issues mentioned in the previous slides will require us to become better educated about school district matters. Only through our own growth and progress will we be able to identify the best solutions to the issues confronting us. We're asking the committee to think deeply and become knowledgeable about these issues.

49. Develop an understanding of the variables and help the general public to also understand. Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members Besides becoming better educated ourselves we're asking you to help educate others. As representatives of various school and community groups, we're expecting you to communicate with those looking to you for leadership. Our recommendations will be stronger if we have a better informed school community.

50. Create viable options to address the issues confronting the system. Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members As we study the issues before us, we will need to begin to develop some viable options to address them. Creativity will serve us well.

51. Gather public input on the possible options. Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members We'll want to gather public input on our proposed options. This will be accomplished through public forums and focus groups as well as questions posed on the district’s web site.

52. Invite 5 people to the Community Forums Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members

53. Invite 5 people to the Community Forums Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members This is to remind you of the importance of the public forums. We want broad based community input on our plans. This will occur in direct proportion to the interest we can generate.

54. Make recommendations to the Superintendent within 6 to 9 months for improving our schools. Expectations for the Steering Committee and its Members Ultimately, we are responsible for putting together the facility and program recommendations upon which we’d expect the Board of Education to take action. These recommendations need to occur in a timely fashion.

55. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Introductions Headlee Amendment Announcement Spirit of the Process Why do this? What is expected of the Steering Committee and its members? How will the process work?

56. Long Range Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting August 28, 2006 Organizational Structure Empowerment Committee Administration Community Kingscott Civility Center Community Forums Each Steering Committee Member brings 5 guests. Community at Large Focus Groups Community Schools Steering Committee Board Community Schools Facilities Transportation

57. Organizational Structure Empowerment Committee Administration Community Kingscott Civility Center Community Forums Each Steering Committee Member brings 5 guests. Community at Large Focus Groups Community Schools Steering Committee Board Community Schools Facilities Transportation There are several ways for the community to participate in the master planning process.

58. Organizational Structure Empowerment Committee Administration Community Kingscott Civility Center Community Forums Each Steering Committee Member brings 5 guests. Community at Large Focus Groups Community Schools Steering Committee Board Community Schools Facilities Transportation The Empowerment Committee is charged with organizing the master planning process.

59. Organizational Structure Empowerment Committee Administration Community Kingscott Civility Center Community Forums Each Steering Committee Member brings 5 guests. Community at Large Focus Groups Community Schools Steering Committee Board Community Schools Facilities Transportation The Steering Committee, made up of approximately 100 members, meets monthly. It is charged with making the final recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools.

60. Organizational Structure Empowerment Committee Administration Community Kingscott Civility Center Community Forums Each Steering Committee Member brings 5 guests. Community at Large Focus Groups Community Schools Steering Committee Board Community Schools Facilities Transportation Focus Groups will meet in November and December. Focus Groups will allow the Steering Committee to gain additional input from the schools and the community.

61. Organizational Structure Empowerment Committee Administration Community Kingscott Civility Center Community Forums Each Steering Committee Member brings 5 guests. Community at Large Focus Groups Community Schools Steering Committee Board Community Schools Facilities Transportation The Community Forums allow the Steering Committee to reach out to the larger Traverse City community for information and opinions. Three Community Forums will be held on November 2, January 11, and March 5. Since the information and discussion will be different at each community forum, community members are encouraged to attend all three.

62. Long Range Master Planning Process This flow chart shows the interrelationships of the four groups making up the master planning process. Note the three community forums in November, January, and March.

63. October 2 Review demographic and facility issues November 6 Review changes in education Upcoming Meetings

64. Invite 5 people to the Community Forum Personal invitations are the best way to assure the level of attendance that is needed for the success of the community forums.