By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com

With the State’s rules for district assessment approaching finalization, the Buckeye Central District took it upon themselves to host a series of meetings to educate and seek community input about taking the district forward. The goal is to have this input help with strategic planning “that will establish the vision for the district for years to come.” Each meeting will be hosted by two volunteers, not employed by the district, and at the July 30 meeting they were Andrea Presler and Dave Williamson.

After Presler and Williamson introduced the objectives of these meetings, Superintendent Tara Meyerink proceeded with the specifics of the evening’s particular topic. Each of the six meetings will have a different focus, taking in turn areas issues that are important for furthering education.

Student Growth and Achievement was the topic Meyerink explained, breaking down the six areas in which districts will now be assessed. They are achievement, graduation rate, prepared for success, gap closing, progress, and K-3 literacy. After the information, the group on hand in the Bloomville Community Center broke into groups that took on a series of discussion questions. These questions looked at topics like learning environment, teacher effectiveness, the role of parents in the education process, and which curriculums should be prioritized.

“It’s good input,” board member Terry Wenninger said. “We’re reaching out so we can grow the district and communicate in which direction everyone wants to go.”

Williamson too was encouraged by the participation, “They are engaged, there are some serious feelings.”

All meetings will commence at 7:00, and the next one will be held August 14 at the Buckeye Central School multi-purpose room to discuss Innovation in Education. The August 20 meeting will return to the Bloomville Community center for Parent Engagement, September 11 at the Tiro Methodist Church for Diversity of the School District, and the final two in the BC Multi-Purpose Room for College/Career Readiness, and Student Development & Extra Curricular Activities, respectively. All are encouraged to attend.