By Matt de Simone
Dr. Robert Avossa spoke at the recent Botetourt County School Board meeting discussing the school system’s Strategic Direction over the past year. In this presentation, Dr. Avossa shared some of the next steps in the process. Some of the ideas that came from the planning included making sure the students are the top priority and making sure they are in the environments needed to meet their full potential.
A four-page document was recently drafted for the purpose of a review by School Board members. Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ stated during the meeting that once the draft of this strategic plan is approved by the board, the official document of the plan will be made available digitally.
School improvement meetings took place last September with school and division administrators along with collaborative efforts by elementary and secondary staff members. A “deep dive” during the planning process saw discoveries of new data and reporting tools, exploring new communication channels, deepening relationships with the county commissioner and board of supervisors, and building more business collaboration.
The plan also presented an opportunity to initiate a “Facility and Efficiency Taskforce” to better understand the variety of interests and opportunities related to existing and new facilities. Dr. Avossa explained the challenges that come with older buildings and over enrollment and finding where the community is growing and shrinking.
The School Board will monitor progress towards the strategic direction by providing monthly updates within the superintendent’s report and progress updates for the board and community and the end of every semester.
To watch Avossa’s presentation to the School Board, visit bcps.live/archives. The presentation begins at the 14:02 mark of the livestream.