Gary Thomas, Ed.D. County Superintendent

Superintendent's Message

County Schools Embarks On Strategic Planning Process

This year, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is embarking on the journey of a strategic planning process.

In September, County Schools organized a 27-member planning team made up of staff as well as community and faith-based representatives, business and labor leaders, parents and students to take the first steps in the development of the strategic plan. The group's charge was to define the organization's beliefs, craft a mission statement and develop objectives and strategies that will guide us as we move forward in our work to serve students, families, schools and districts.

First mission accomplished. The team zeroed in on nine core beliefs that express the fundamental values of County Schools.

Beliefs

1. The human mind is incredibly powerful and through life-long learning has unlimited potential.

2. All people have value, and deserve to be treated equally with dignity and respect.

3. Each person is unique, has purpose and can make a powerful contribution to the good of humanity.

4. Character, governed by integrity, builds positive relationships that transform lives.

5. People are meant to serve and care for each other.

6. Faith, hope, love and compassion are essential to a positive life experience.

7. Individuals have the power to make choices, which ultimately determine their course in life.

8. Communities are interdependent, and grow stronger through collaboration and communication.

9. There is strength in unity.

Based on those beliefs, a mission statement that declares the unique identity and specific purpose of County Schools was formed. It reads:

Mission Statement

"The mission of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is to transform lives through education. Working in collaboration with school districts, other agencies, families and our community partners, we provide leadership, advocacy and services to ensure innovative, inspiring educational practices. This endeavor is essential to the quality of life and economic vitality of our communities."

Following the mission statement, the planning group developed bold objectives and strategies to commit and guide our work as an organization. They are:

Objectives

1. All students will recognize their unique potential, be prepared for life-long learning and the world of work, and live a life of significance enhancing the vitality of our communities.

2. All districts and schools will lead their communities through innovative and effective governance, administrative and educational practices.

3. All families and communities will be engaged as partners in the education of their children.

Strategies

1. We will collaborate with our partners to transform the educational system through bold leadership, courageous advocacy and effective governance.

2. We will lead our districts in the implementation of relevant, engaging and effective educational practices that prepare students for successful transitions, high school graduation, post secondary options and the workforce.

3. We will serve as a leader in the innovative and effective use of technologies to accelerate student learning and educational delivery, to engage our partners and to increase operational efficiencies.

4. We will ensure that the role of the County Schools office and the value of our services be embodied in our brand of excellence through effective communication.

5. As a catalyst for family and community involvement, we will create, strengthen and sustain vital partnerships critical to the fulfillment of our mission.

Following the planning session and updates presented to County Schools staff about the process and draft strategic plan, we are undertaking the next phase of the process. By early December, County Schools will assemble teams consisting of staff and community partners. Their charge will be to develop concrete steps for our organization to reach its strategic goals.

With five groups being formed for each of the individual strategies, it will take many months to facilitate the outcomes of the action teams.

As county superintendent, I am excited about how the process has progressed to this point, and I look forward to the continued work of the action teams as we set a course for providing the best possible educational services for the 417,000 students in the county, as well as our 33 school districts.

Please visit our Strategic Planning website at http://strategic.sbcss.k12.ca.us for additional information.