Transparency through eGovernance

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Even though the School District has been paperless for a number of years, it is leveraging the power of the Internet to radically improve the governance process while saving time, taxpayer dollars and the environment. This new eGovernance initiative is a remarkably powerful, easy-to-use solution that enables the District to maximize the effectiveness of board meetings with increased transparency, providing a basis for better and more open communication with the public, while dramatically increasing productivity and saving thousands of dollars annually.

The paperless meeting solution is a 100% Web-based service. By making meeting agendas and supporting documents available on the Internet, Colstrip Public Schools will be able distribute documents associated with board meetings more quickly and efficiently, at a dramatically reduced cost to the organization.

Electronic distribution will not only save time and resources, but it will also provide unprecedented public access via the Colstrip Public School’s Web site to agenda items and other governing body-related information. This process will allow interested parties to review information prior to board meetings. All documents associated with the meeting are automatically archived and can be accessed by meeting date or by using the system’s comprehensive search feature.

The new eGovernance features can be accessed via the District’s Web site under the “School Board” tab, or for direct access to the District’s Board Agendas go to:
http://www.boarddocs.com/mt/cpsd19/Board.nsf .

We hope you find this new tool useful and informative.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Goal Setting for Exceptional Outcomes

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

 One of the most important things I do as a superintendent is review our academic outcomes and work with the staff to set goals that challenge our students to perform at a higher level.

"According to research, Goal setting is the single most powerful motivational tool in a leader's toolkit. Why? Because  goal setting operates in  ways that provide purpose, challenge and meaning. Goals are the guideposts along the road that make compelling vision come alive. Goals energize people. Specific, clear, challenging goals lead to greater effort and achievement than easy or vague goals do" (Blanchard, 2007, p. 150). For more information see Learning By Doing by DuFour, DuFour, Eaker and Many.

This year we have set District Goals in Reading, Math, Language Arts and Attendance. The goals set are SMART goals. They are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. By following this formula, our faculty was able to set goals for the 2015-2016 school year linking evidence to decision making. This may seem so simple, but it is quite powerful.

The academic goals are based on an assessment that the district has been using for a number of years. It is called Measures of Academic Progress or MAP for short. This assessment is given to all 3-10 grade students.  It measures the growth of a student and compares each student's growth to a national norm. The assessment is given in the fall and again in the spring to measure the progress or growth that has taken place during the school year.

Upon completing the fall assessment, a growth target is set for each individual based on all other students nation-wide of the same age and like scores.

In the spring, students take the assessment to find out if they reached their growth target.
Once again, every student is measured against students of like scores and age. This process allows the district to measure adequate growth.

I believe it is possible for all students to reach their growth targets. With good attendance and academic interventions at the individual level this is not unrealistic. Last year's spring assessment revealed that 60% of our students are meeting or exceeding their READING targets; 65% MATH targets; and 60% are meeting or exceeding their LANGUAGE ARTS targets. Based on this information the staff set goals to improve those outcomes this year (2015-2016).

The four slides to the right indicated last year's outcome with this year's desired results. We are changing our culture as we set goals by placing value on results. Our practitioners are "Making Dust." They are setting higher standards. I am already excited about next year as I am sure the outcome will be exceptional.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Branding Our District With High Expectations

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Wrestling calves with the smell of burnt hair and hide swirling around your face in the form of white smoke draws up images of my early experiences with branding. It was a rancher's invitation to me to help leave a permanent mark on the stock he nurtured and cared for. It was an honor to be asked to a branding and privilege to participate in the event. I have been fortunate to have attended many.

In an educational organization like Colstrip Public Schools, branding is a much different process, although the intention is the same. Like a rancher, we hope to leave a strategic mark on those we care for. In addition, we invite a lot of people to participate in getting the job done. The more people involved the better. A rancher uses a hot iron, while our school district uses tools like the one pictured to the right. Let me explain:

Branding in an organization is not marketing. Marketing an organization is tactical, while branding has a strategic outcome. Developing organizational brand creates an image or expectation of action. A well developed brand provides an image that lasts over time. School districts utilize brands to set high expectations and standards for students and stakeholders. This year, many of our school district's initiatives will be presented through our website, the social media as well as on digital signs that will be located in the lobbies of each building. These tools are our hot irons.

The screen-shot to the right is an example of the images that will be displayed on flat screens located in our building lobbies. Each will include a slide show of photos of students and school life; RSS feeds at the top and bottom of the screen that outline calendar events and reminders from the district and building level; there is also an RSS bulletin feed from superintendent office; as well as motivational videos that support the high expectations we have for our students and our educational community.  All of these item are represented in the screen-shot seen above. Digital signage is certainly a valuable "hot iron" that expands our communication venue. We hope it leaves a lasting mark.

Through technology and the use of mantras and initiatives, the district hopes to elevate student outcomes. "Make dust or eat dust" is a good example of our branding. It is the "carpe diem" of the Colts and Fillies drawing on images of running equine. It is a call to action; to seize the moment and make the best of every situation by taking the lead or the initiative. It is by such bold actions that we hope to change, grow and live life to its fullest. "Make dust or eat dust" is a statement as well as a question that asks: What will you do? It is also asks: What have you done?

Branding leaves a mark that identifies the individual as well as organization. At Colstrip Public Schools we want to challenge our students and educational community to be the very best. "Make dust or eat dust" is just one example of branding that sets a challenge before us.

At Colstrip Public Schools, we are out in the lead and it is our intent to stay there!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Central Office Staff: Service with a smile

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

As many of you know, the Central Office is located in the lower level of the Frank Brattin Middle School and in that location we have some of the hardest working individuals in our District. If you haven't met them I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to them.

From right to left: Janelle Beartusk (Payroll Clerk), Linda Miars (Administrative Assistant), Lisa Stewart (Accounts Payable), Kathy LaDuke (Data Services), and Joanne Schrupp (Clerk of the District).

I have to say that this group of ladies are exceptional. They greet every situation with a smile. They have been a rock in my transition to Colstrip, providing me with direction and information detrimental for successful leadership. I am very thankful for each and everyone of them.

Now that you know who we are, I would like to invite you to come and see us. If there is anything we can help you with, don't hesitate to call or just come on "down."

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"