March Board Meeting Update.3.10.25.pptx (1)New PowerPoint

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Agenda Item

a. Strategic Plan Update ~ Updated 3.10.2025

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Pamela McCloud, Coordinator III for Organizational Effectiveness, Chief of Staff Division
Strategic Plan Implementation
        Board Update

        March 10, 2025   1
Today’s Focus
 ● Strategic Plan Overview
   (Entire Plan, Performance Objectives, Share KPI)
 ● Areas of Focus for Year 1
 ● Progress on Areas of Focus Thus far
 ● Next Steps




                                                      2
Strategic Plan
   Update




                 3
4
Implementation Chart - Goal Area 1
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and                                              Implementation Years
Access                                                                                     2024-    2025-   2026-   2027-   2028-
Performance Objectives                                                                     2025     2026    2027    2028    2029

1.1: Increase proficiency rates in literacy on district and state assessments for all        I        I      R       R       R
students.

1.2: Increase proficiency rates in numeracy on district and state assessments for all        I        I      R       R       R
students

1.3: Increase the 4- and 5-year cohort graduation rates.                                     I        I      R       R       R

1.4: Ensure all students have equitable access to and support for academic programs         P         I       I      R       R
and career pathways.

1.5: Improve student academic growth as measured by the College and Career                   I        I       I      R       R
Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI).

1.6: Enhance student proficiency in digital literacy skills using innovative technology.    P         I       I       I      R




                                                                                                                                    5
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access

Performance Objective and Strategies                               KPI                                Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)       Progress Update
1.1 Increase proficiency rates in literacy on district and state   Smart Goal: By 2029, the ELA EOG   MAP Fluency for literacy will be   DCSD has administered the MAP Fluency
        assessments for all students.                              proficiency rate will be 47%.      administered three times to        twice. The fall administration occurred
                                                                                                      students in grades K-3.            August 26-September 6, 2024. The
  a.    Implement a progress monitoring tool in grades K-3         Smart Goal: By 2029, the ELA EOC                                      winter administration occurred
        focused on increasing early literacy skills and provide    proficiency rate will be 46%.                                         December 2-13, 2024.
        professional learning for teachers on how to use the
        tool.                                                                                                                            The elementary schools received three
  b.    Implement district-provided reading interventions for                                                                            model schedules to incorporate
                                                                                                                                         designated intervention blocks to
        students performing below grade level, using
                                                                                                                                         support students.
        supplemental instruction, small group support, and
        resources to accelerate student learning.
                                                                                                                                         We have provided professional learning
  c.    Implement evidenced-based instructional strategies                                                                               for elementary academic coaches on new
        that have been shown to improve literacy skills such                                                                             ELA standards in partnership with Metro
        as structured literacy, academic vocabulary                                                                                      Regional Educational Service Agency
        development, and explicit reading and writing                                                                                    (MRESA), professional learning for
        instruction across the curriculum.                                                                                               elementary literacy leads on new ELA
                                                                                                                                         standards in partnership with MRESA,
                                                                                                                                         and coaching support for new ELA
                                                                                                                                         standards redelivery. Also, we have
                                                                                                                                         facilitated "Plan with Me" & Georgia
                                                                                                                                         Milestones Assessment System (GMAS)
                                                                                                                                         Writing sessions for teachers by grade
                                                                                                                                         band.




                                                                                                                                                                                 6
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access

Performance Objective and Strategies                                    KPI                                 Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)          Progress Update
1.2 Increase proficiency rates in numeracy on district and state        Smart Goal: 2029 - By 2029, the     By May 2025, the DCSD math team       Conducted 14 trainings and
assessments for all students.                                           Math EOG proficiency rate will be   will conduct quarterly mathematics    support sessions for elementary
  a.    Implement evidenced-based instructional strategies that         40%.                                content learning walks (minimum of    school teachers and
        have been shown to improve numeracy and problem-solving                                             14 per quarter).                      administrators.
        skills such as number talks, math talks, three-read protocol,   Smart Goal: By 2029, the Math EOC
        Polya’s problem solving process, 3 Act Math Task, and           proficiency rate will be 37%.       By May 2025, student proficiency in   Conducted 7 trainings and
        Newman’s Prompt.                                                                                    mathematics will improve by 3%        support sessions for secondary
  b.    Teach a comprehensive math curriculum aligned to Georgia                                            across the district as measured by    school teachers and
                                                                                                            state standardized tests.             administrators.
        Standards of Excellence. Ensure the curriculum includes
        clear learning targets, success criteria, a coherent sequence
                                                                                                            Students will build a strong
        of instruction, and a variety of instructional materials and
                                                                                                            foundation in numeracy by gaining a
        resources.                                                                                          greater understanding of
  c.    Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for                                          mathematical problems using logical
        teachers focused on effective math instruction strategies,                                          reasoning and critical thinking.
        pedagogy, and content knowledge. Offer training on
        problem-solving and conceptual understanding approaches                                             Teachers will participate in
        to meet the diverse needs of students.                                                              professional learning on
                                                                                                            instructional resources,
                                                                                                            mathematical modeling, and
                                                                                                            evidence based instructional
                                                                                                            strategies such as number talks,
                                                                                                            math talks, three-read protocol,
                                                                                                            Polya's problem solving process, 3
                                                                                                            Act Math Task, and Newman's
                                                                                                            Prompts.




                                                                                                                                                                                   7
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access

Performance Objective and Strategies                              KPI                                    Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)          Progress Update
1.3 Increase the 4- and 5-year cohort graduation rates.           Smart Goal: By 2029, the district 4-   By 2025, the district 4- and 5-year   DCSD is partnering with
                                                                  and 5-year graduation rate will        graduation rate will increase by at   ChanceLight and Acceleration
                                                                  increase by at least 10%.              least 3%.                             Academies. ChanceLight opened
  a.   Implement and monitor consistent standard operating                                                                                     in October 2024 and
       procedures (SOPs) across all cohorts.                                                                                                   Acceleration Academies opened
  b.   Offer a variety of targeted academic support programs to                                                                                in December 2024.
       students, such as tutoring, mentoring, academic
       intervention classes, credit recovery opportunities, and
       after-school programs.
  c.   Increase the number of graduation pathway options by
       incorporating alternative opportunities.
  d.   Implement strategies to increase the number of students
       meeting the requirements for ninth-grade promotion.




                                                                                                                                                                          8
Goal Area 1: Student Academic Success with Equity and Access

Performance Objective and Strategies                   KPI                                                       Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)           Progress Update
                                                                                                                 Provide additional training for        Fall and winter Reality Checks
       1.5 Improve student academic growth as          Smart Goal: By 2029, 75% of students will meet greater    teachers and administrators on data    have occurred. The purpose of
       measured by the College and Career              than 40th percentile annual growth on CCRPI ELA           analysis.                              each Reality Check is to monitor
       Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI).            Elementary Progress.                                                                             the progress of schools on key
                                                                                                                 Expand tutoring and academic           performance indicators, identify
  a.      Conduct districtwide formative               Smart Goal: By 2029, 74% of students will meet greater    support opportunities for students     high-level trends and schools
          assessments to monitor students’             than 40th percentile annual growth on CCRPI ELA           before, during, and after the school   that need additional support,
          academic progress.                           Middle Progress.                                          day.                                   and establish next steps needed
                                                                                                                                                        to improve outcomes.
 b.       Analyze assessment data to identify
                                                       Smart Goal: By 2029, 66% of students will meet greater
          trends, patterns, and areas where
                                                       than 40th percentile annual growth on CCRPI ELA High                                             We are implementing Academic
          instruction can be improved.
                                                       Progress. (2022, 2023 and 2024 data are not available)-                                          Skills, Americorps, and local
  c.      Provide teachers with training and tools     I used 2019 which is the last year it was reported.                                              school tutoring programs during,
          for data analysis and interpretation to                                                                                                       before, and after school.
          inform instructional planning and student    Smart Goal: By 2029, 75% of students will meet greater
          support strategies.                          than 40th percentile annual growth on CCRPI Math
 d.       Provide tutoring and academic support        Elementary Progress.
          for students before, during, and after the
          school day.                                  Smart Goal: By 2029, 70% of students will meet greater
                                                       than 40th percentile annual growth on CCRPI Math
                                                       Middle Progress.

                                                       Smart Goal: By 2029, 70% of students will meet greater
                                                       than 40th percentile annual growth on CCRPI Math
                                                       High Progress.




                                                                                                                                                                                       9
Implementation Chart - Goal Area 2
Goal Area 2: School, Family, and Community Engagement                                                  Implementation Years
Performance Objectives                                                                         2024-    2025-   2026-   2027-   2028-
                                                                                               2025     2026    2027    2028    2029

2.1: Strengthen family, school, and community engagement to establish clear, accessible, and     I        I      R       R       R
relevant communication tailored to meet stakeholders’ preferences.

2.2: Create opportunities for collaboration between the district, families, community           P         I      R       R       R
partners, and businesses to foster partnerships to support district-wide initiatives.

2.3: Improve communication processes for stakeholders to ensure the flow of clear, timely,      P         I      R       R       R
and relevant information.

2.4: Establish clear communication channels to effectively engage with multilingual families     I        I      R       R       R
and provide equitable access to district and school information.




                                                                                                                                     10
Goal Area 2: School, Family, and Community Engagement

Performance Objective and Strategies                                  KPI                                      Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)           Progress Update

2.1 Strengthen family, school, and community engagement to            Smart Goal: By 2029, establish at        Establish clear Memorandums of         Partnerships with GA Power YES,
establish clear, accessible, and relevant communication tailored to   least five new community                 Understanding (MOUs) with at least     WorkSource DeKalb, and Goodwill
meet stakeholders’ preferences.                                       partnerships annually, host a            three community or business            Industries have been developed and
                                                                      minimum of four engagement               partners to support Workforce          strengthened to enhance support
  a.   Establish partnerships with community organizations to         events with 75% stakeholder              Development and Integrated             for the GED IET curriculum. The
       access resources and support for district initiatives.         satisfaction, and increase               Education and Training (IET)           district has recently established or
  b.   Organize activities that encourage community involvement       ThoughExchange participation by          programs for certification in the      strengthened partnerships with the
       and build connections between stakeholders.                    20%, using at least three key insights   DCSD GED Program.                      following organizations: Extra Yard
  c.   Expand ThoughExchange ties to include multiple questions       to inform district decisions each                                               for Teachers, Stratix, Georgia Power,
       for collecting feedback and evaluating the effectiveness of    year.                                    We aim to establish at least 15        Georgia Commute Options &
       engagement efforts.                                                                                     partnerships with organizations that   PROMOVE, DeKalb Chamber of
                                                                                                               align with our mission to enhance      Commerce, DeKalb Workforce
                                                                                                               educational opportunities and          Development, and the Atlanta
                                                                                                               resources for students.                Falcons. Additionally, ongoing
                                                                                                                                                      partnerships continue with State
                                                                                                               Identify and secure partnerships       Farm, Gas South, Life Beyond the
                                                                                                               with at least 10 corporations, local   Game, and Spatco Energy Solutions.
                                                                                                               businesses, and/or community
                                                                                                               organizations to support the           ThoughtExchange is being used on
                                                                                                               Foundation’s focus areas               the district and school level.
                                                                                                                                                      Currently we have created over 380
                                                                                                                                                      different engagements, with 16,000
                                                                                                                                                      participants, 11,000 thoughts and
                                                                                                                                                      over 182,000 different ratings.




                                                                                                                                                                                        11
Goal Area 2: School, Family, and Community Engagement

Performance Objective and Strategies                                      KPI                                   Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)            Progress Update
2.4 Establish clear communication channels to effectively engage          Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will        Secure at least two interpreters for    We are providing Information for
with multilingual families and provide equitable access to district and   increase communication channels and   every event with more than 20%          parents/guardians through web
school information.                                                       programs supporting multilingual      non-native language speakers, and       banners, postings, and social media
                                                                          families by 10%.                      conduct post-event surveys to achieve   in English and Spanish. .
  a.    Provide interpreters for virtual and in-person events.                                                  an 85% attendee satisfaction rate
  b.    Translate all standardized documents into the most common                                               regarding language services.            As a new Standard Operating
        languages.                                                                                                                                      Procedure (SOP), all
  c.    Research platforms to assist in multilingual translations.                                              By June 2025, the English Learners      communication tools specifically
  d.    Survey stakeholders and community to evaluate the                                                       Department will increase by 10% the     with parents as the intended
        effectiveness of engagement with multilingual families.                                                 instances of direct translation of      audience are produced in English
                                                                                                                documents provided for other            and Spanish. Other languages
                                                                                                                Departments for PHLOTE families.        available in district drop down or
                                                                                                                                                        can be preset by parents.

                                                                                                                                                        A strong relationship has developed
                                                                                                                                                        between DCSD and Alboum as well
                                                                                                                                                        as Plunet for translation and
                                                                                                                                                        localization management to
                                                                                                                                                        support multilingual
                                                                                                                                                        communication and accessibility.




                                                                                                                                                                                  12
Implementation Chart - Goal Area 3
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop, and Retain Talent                                                          Implementation Years
Performance Objectives                                                                            2024-    2025-   2026-   2027-   2028-
                                                                                                  2025     2026    2027    2028    2029

3.1: Recruit and hire a diverse and highly qualified workforce that reflects a world-class,         I       R       R       R       R
innovative talent pool.

3.2: Develop high performing staff to ensure quality teaching and learning outcomes, an            P         I      R       R       R
innovative workforce, and visionary leaders.

3.3: Retain highly effective staff in critical needs positions to ensure the sustainability and     I       R       R       R       R
efficiency of integral district programs and services.

3.4: Develop employee pipelines for key staff positions to ensure the long-term viability of       P         I      R       R       R
essential programs and services.




                                                                                                                                           13
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop, and Retain Talent

Performance Objective and Strategies                           KPI                                  Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)                     Progress Update
3.1 Recruit and hire a diverse and highly qualified            Smart Goal: By 2029, the fill        Achieve a 25% increase in the number of          We have developed a partnership with United
workforce that reflects a world-class, innovative talent       rate for certified positions will    qualified candidates for teaching positions      Education Institute (UEI) to fill Moderate
pool.                                                          be at 99% by September 1             and reduce the average time to fill these        Intellectual Disability (MOID), Severe and Profound
                                                                                                    positions by 15% by the end of the year.         Intellectual Disability (SID/PID) paraprofessional
  a.    Implement a comprehensive recruitment plan to          Smart Goal: By 2029, the fill                                                         and nursing vacancies by 2/13 (nurses).
        secure a pool of qualified candidates. This plan       rate for classified positions will   Create a 25% baseline in engagement
        should identify target audiences, utilize various      be at 90% by September 1             (likes, shares, comments) across all social      We have visited Colleges of Education at multiple
        recruitment channels, and streamline the                                                    media platforms and generate at least 100        Universities to recruit and forge partnerships
        application process.                                                                        new leads from these efforts.
  b.    Increase investment in recruiting pipelines by                                                                                               We recently added LinkedIn Recruiter and Indeed
        marketing and communicating through all social                                              Establish formal partnerships with at least      recruitment platforms to enhance the digital
        media platforms.                                                                            three traditional and two non-traditional        footprint of job postings within the district.
  c.    Strengthen partnerships with traditional and                                                universities, creating agreements that
        non-traditional universities.                                                               outline collaboration activities, and finalize   We have developed detailed job descriptions that
  d.    Offer a competitive compensation structure and                                              them within the next 12 months.                  speak directly to the work to be performed to
        employee incentive program.                                                                                                                  ensure that we hire the right people for the right
  e.    Enhance the diversity, stability, and quality of the                                        Increase employee satisfaction scores            roles.
        teaching workforce through the IGNITE Residency                                             related to compensation and incentives by
        Program.                                                                                    at least 20% in the next employee                We have maintained market competitiveness with
  f.    Increase the number of bilingual staff members to                                           engagement survey.                               the Compensation structure to aid in attracting
        support student academic success.                                                                                                            candidates
  g.    Award one hundred scholarships to high school                                               Expand the IGNITE Residency Program to
        students or recent graduates pursuing careers in                                            recruit and train a diverse cohort of new        We are continuing to work with the IGNITE Teacher
        education who commit to returning to the district.                                          teachers, aiming for a 30% increase in           Residency Program, a one year program that
  h.    Develop career pathways for students to transition                                          diversity and a 100% retention rate of           supports individuals with Bachelors in
        into district careers in high-demand areas like                                             residents.                                       non-education fields to obtain Masters of Arts in
        paraprofessionals, teaching, and nursing.                                                                                                    Teaching.




                                                                                                                                                                                              14
Goal Area 3: Recruit, Develop, and Retain Talent

Performance Objective and Strategies                                      KPI                                   Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)           Progress Update
3.3 Retain highly effective staff in critical needs positions to ensure                                         Aim to reduce employee turnover        Establish baseline data for
the sustainability and efficiency of integral district programs and       Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will        by 15% within the next 12 months       retention June 2025
services.                                                                 increase the teacher retention rate   and increase employee satisfaction
                                                                          to 97%.                               scores by 20% in the next              We have conducted monthly
  a.    Implement a Comprehensive Employee Retention Plan.                                                      engagement survey.                     wellness events.
  b.    Develop and Implement Programs that Elevate, Celebrate,           Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will
        and Recognize Employee Experience.                                increase Paraprofessional, SRO,       Achieve at least 25% employee          We have partnered with the
  c.    Develop and Cultivate a Responsive Staff Health and               Nurse, and Bus Driver retention       participation in recognition events    Clarkston Community to explore
        Wellness Program.                                                 rates to 90%.                         and increase employee satisfaction     employment opportunities
  d.    Increase Access to Confidential Mental Health and                                                       scores related to recognition by 25%   within DCSD.
        Counseling Services for all employees.                                                                  in the next engagement survey.
  e.    Conduct Annual Employee Surveys to gauge employee                                                                                              Employees will take the Gallup
        perceptions of school climate, culture, and job satisfaction                                            Achieve at least 50% employee          survey starting March 10, 2025
        within the district.                                                                                    participation in wellness activities
  f.    Utilize data from exit surveys to inform and develop                                                    and improve employee satisfaction      We are in the process of hiring
        retention strategies. This data can help identify areas for                                             scores related to health and           an Employee Experience
        improvement and enhance systems that impact job                                                         wellness by 30% in the next            Manager.
        satisfaction.                                                                                           engagement survey.
                                                                                                                                                       We are in the process of hiring
                                                                                                                                                       full time EAP support.




                                                                                                                                                                                     15
Implementation Chart - Goal Area 4
Goal Area 4: Culture and Climate                                                                       Implementation Years
Performance Objectives                                                                         2024-    2025-   2026-   2027-   2028-
                                                                                               2025     2026    2027    2028    2029

4.1: Ensure all schools provide a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment for all     I        I      R       R       R
students and staff.

4.2: Implement restorative practice structures in all schools and increase the number of        R        R       R       R       R
schools using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs each year.

4.3: Improve student attendance by creating a positive and engaging school experience.           I       R       R       R       R

4.4: Ensure all schools have staff trained in de-escalation techniques and Crisis Prevention    P         I      R       R       R
Intervention (CPI) strategies.




                                                                                                                                        16
Goal Area 4: Culture and Climate

Performance Objective and Strategies           KPI                                Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)             Progress Update
4.1 Ensure all schools provide a safe,         Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will     By June 2026, each school within the     Assistant Principals and other support staff have received initial training in
orderly, and supportive learning               show a reduction in bullying and   district will have a minimum of three    January 2025 (84 participants).
environment for all students and staff.        major disciplinary incidents to    staff members trained in
                                               19,944 as reported by the          de-escalation strategies, including at   The district currently has 70 CPI trained facilitators.
  a.    Provide school level training to       GaDOE School Safety Report         least one Assistant Principal and two
        support consistent discipline                                             additional staff members.                The district has trained 314 employees in verbal de-escalation.
        practices.
  b.    Provide school level training on                                          100% of schools will have a cohort of For the 2024-2025 school year, ten Cohort 9 Positive Behavioral
        de-escalation practices using Crisis                                      staff who completed 2 PD sessions     Interventions and Supports (PBIS) schools, (80) completed the new MTSS
        Prevention Intervention (CPI) and                                         by May 31, 2025.                      Tier I Readiness Training and Principal’s Overview Training. This new model
        Mindset Training.                                                                                               is required for newly trained PBIS schools to ensure compliance with
  c.    Provide school level training to                                                                                Georgia Department of Education guidelines for state recognition. The
                                                                                                                        model emphasizes integrating Tier I initiatives and using data-driven
        implement restorative practices
                                                                                                                        decision-making to address academic, behavioral, and well-being
        districtwide.
                                                                                                                        outcomes.
  d.    Implement a “Train the Trainer”
        model for district personnel on                                                                                    Bullying Prevention and Awareness training has been provided for over
        restorative practice.                                                                                              1,000 staff members including bus drivers, bus monitors, nurses,
  e.    Provide Tier 1 PBIS implementation                                                                                 psychologists, and social workers.
        training for new school cohorts and
        PBIS overview interest sessions for                                                                                All school-based staff and students receive training on an annual basis.
        school leadership.




                                                                                                                                                                                                  17
Goal Area 4: Culture and Climate


Performance Objective and Strategies                                        KPI                                    Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)              Progress Update
4.3 Improve student attendance by creating a positive and engaging          Smart Goal: By 2029, the chronically   By May 2025, all schools will have a      The Senior Coordinator and Lead Social
school experience.                                                          absent rate will be reduced to 25.24   functional attendance team actively       Worker meet with the Attendance
                                                                            as reported by the GOSA Attendance     utilizing EveryDay Labs Pro to            Specialist biweekly to review
  a.   Attendance Incentives and Rewards: Implement positive                Report                                 accurately monitor and track student      programming, discuss monthly reports,
       reinforcement strategies to acknowledge good attendance. This                                               attendance data, ensuring that at least   and plan new attendance initiatives.
       could include reward programs, recognition systems, or special                                              2% of attendance-related                  Each Attendance Specialist is
       privileges for students with consistent attendance records.                                                 interventions are documented and          responsible for key areas, including
  b.   Strong School-Community Partnerships: Build strong                                                          followed up within the specified time     building partnerships with families and
       relationships with families and community organizations. Offer                                              frame.                                    community organizations, managing
       family engagement workshops, provide resources, and support                                                                                           attendance data through technology
       services, and involve community members in school activities.                                                                                         and the Everyday Lab (EDL) platform,
                                                                                                                                                             and leading attendance campaigns. They
       Strong connections to school and community can increase
                                                                                                                                                             also ensure clear communication with
       motivation and attendance.
                                                                                                                                                             families and staff, collect and analyze
  c.   Early Intervention and Support: Develop a system for early
                                                                                                                                                             attendance data, and work on fostering
       identification and intervention for students with chronic                                                                                             a positive school culture and climate to
       absenteeism. This could involve home visits, personalized                                                                                             promote regular attendance.
       support plans, and addressing underlying causes of absences
       (like health issues or transportation challenges).                                                                                                    Additionally, leadership meets biweekly
  d.   Attendance Data Analysis and Utilization: Frequently analyze                                                                                          with the EDL Program Manager to
       attendance data to identify trends and patterns. Use this data to                                                                                     discuss platform updates and any
       target interventions and strategies for specific student groups or                                                                                    necessary improvements. These efforts
       schools with higher absenteeism rates.                                                                                                                work together to improve student
                                                                                                                                                             engagement and attendance outcomes.




                                                                                                                                                                                           18
Implementation Chart - Goal Area 5
Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness                                                           Implementation Years
Performance Objectives                                                                    2024-    2025-   2026-   2027-   2028-
                                                                                          2025     2026    2027    2028    2029

5.1: Create safe and supportive environments that promote positive mental health and        I        I       I      R       R
wellness.

5.2: Increase awareness of factors that can impact mental health to foster well-managed    P         I      R       R       R
learning environments.

5.3: Increase mental health support staff to improve classroom behavior and peer            I        I      R       R       R
relationships

5.4: Expand staff participation in mental health professional learning opportunities.       I        I      R       R       R




                                                                                                                                   19
Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness

Performance Objective and Strategies                                  KPI                                   Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)              Progress Update
5.1 Create safe and supportive environments that promote              Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will        By the end of Dec 2024, at least 85%      As of January 2025, there have
positive mental health and wellness.                                  increase the number of student safe   of school staff will participate in SEL   been 9,215 staff members
                                                                      centers to twenty.                    annual training.                          trained in signs, symptoms and
  a.   Implement a standardized needs assessment for staff and                                                                                        identification of mental health
       students to determine the level of support needed and          Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will        By April of 2025, at least 85% of all     concerns during local school
       general awareness.                                             increase the number of staff safe     students grades 2nd - 8th will            in-services. Additional mental
 b.    Provide social emotional learning (SEL) training to create     spaces to fifteen.                    participate in SEL lessons as a Tier I    health related trainings have
       safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces for students.                                                 intervention.                             occurred, which include, Youth
  c.   Implement the SEL curriculum to help students manage                                                                                           Mental Health First Aid, where
       emotions, problem solve, and create positive relationships                                           By the end of 2026, each school in        67 staff members have been
       with others.                                                                                         DeKalb at least 2 staff members that      trained and Connections Matter,
                                                                                                            have been trained in MHFA.                where 690 staff members have
 d.    Increase mental health awareness by offering annual
                                                                                                                                                      been trained.
       training for staff and students.
                                                                                                            100% of schools receive the school
  e.   Develop a communication plan for reporting mental health
                                                                                                            counselor and social work training        As of February 2025, six SAFE
       emergencies. This plan will outline how staff will                                                   which outline the referral process.       Centers have established at Cross
       communicate with students, parents, and first responders in                                                                                    Keys, Stone Mountain, Towers,
       the event of an emergency.                                                                                                                     Redan, McNair, MLK Jr. High
  f.   Develop clear and accessible channels for students to report                                                                                   Schools. Another SAFE Center is
       mental health concerns.                                                                                                                        scheduled to be completed at
  g.   Provide resources and opportunities for mindfulness                                                                                            Lithonia High School by August
       practices for students and staff.                                                                                                              2025. Seven schools in the City
                                                                                                                                                      of Stonecrest are creating safe
                                                                                                                                                      spaces.




                                                                                                                                                                                    20
Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness



Performance Objective and Strategies                                   KPI                                    Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)          Progress Update
5.3 Increase mental health support staff to improve classroom          Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will         Increase efforts to create            A 2024-2025 Staffing Incentives and
behavior and peer relationships.                                       increase mental health support staff   standard operating procedures         Referral Guidelines Manual has
                                                                       to twenty-three.                       for handling staff in acute crises,   been created.
  a.   Establish partnerships with recruitment agencies to increase                                           increase mental health
       mental health support staff.                                                                           partnerships, recruit mental          Conducted interviews with
  b.   Advertise mental health career opportunities in local, state,                                          health personnel to address           potential mental health candidates
       and national publications.                                                                             staffing need.                        to address staffing needs.
  c.   Increase partnerships with mental health agencies to recruit
       potential candidates.                                                                                                                        Exploring existing partnerships
  d.   Collaborate with colleges and universities to create a                                                                                       with Chris180, Pathways, Claretel,
       pipeline of potential mental health candidates.                                                                                              Summit, and Positive Growth for
                                                                                                                                                    the opportunities to engage in
                                                                                                                                                    serving the mental health needs of
                                                                                                                                                    staff.

                                                                                                                                                    Continuing to utilize the Recruit,
                                                                                                                                                    Train, and Retain Program with
                                                                                                                                                    University of Georgia to increase
                                                                                                                                                    the number of psychologists.




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Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness

Performance Objective and Strategies                                  KPI                                   Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)             Progress Update
5.4 Expand staff participation in mental health professional          Smart Goal: By 2029, 100% of DCSD     By the end of SY 2026 we will have a     Created a PowerPoint to include
learning opportunities.                                               staff will complete a mental health   minimum of 12 department mental          suicide protocol to meet state
                                                                      and wellness module.                  health activities during staff           requirements.
                                                                                                            meetings.
  a.   Create a mandatory mental health and wellness supports         By end 2026: DCSD staff have                                                   Baseline, steering committee
       module for teachers.                                           wellness ambassadors in each          Continue offering Mental Health          approval to hire EAP onsite
  b.   Foster partnerships with external health and wellness          school/division.                      First Aid adult classes for the entire   counselor to support employees
       agencies to expand staff knowledge of external mental                                                department. End goal is that all of      across the district.
       health and wellness providers.                                                                       HR will have taken the class and we
  c.   Incorporate mental health activities during staff meetings                                           will move towards offering MHFA for      UNUM signage is currently
       and teacher workdays.                                                                                adults into our schools for educators    posted in all schools and
  d.   Publish visible signage and electronic information                                                   and staff.                               facilities.
       throughout the district to improve staff awareness of mental
                                                                                                                                                     The T.H.R.I..V.E. Wellness
       health services.
                                                                                                                                                     Department continues to provide
  e.   Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Expand access to
                                                                                                                                                     “outside” events that foster
       Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).                                                                                                          social, emotional, and physical
  f.   Mindfulness and Self-Care Workshops: Offer workshops and                                                                                      components to support the
       resources on mindfulness practices, stress management                                                                                         wellness program.
       techniques, and self-care strategies.




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Implementation Chart - Goal Area 6
Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence                                                                   Implementation Years
Performance Objectives                                                                           2024-    2025-   2026-   2027-   2028-
                                                                                                 2025     2026    2027    2028    2029

6.1: Provide clean, safe, and efficient school facilities for all students                        P         I      R       R       R

6.2: Deliver safe and efficient transportation services to all students.                          R        R       R       R       R

6.3: Deliver efficient school nutrition services and healthy meals to all students                R        R       R       R       R

6.4: Improve and maintain a secure, accessible, and equitable digital learning environment for    P         I      R       R       R
all students.

6.5: Ensure excellent financial management of district resources.                                 P         I       I      R       R




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Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence

Performance Objective and Strategies                            KPI                           Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)              Progress Update
6.2 Deliver safe and efficient transportation services to all   Smart Goal: By 2029, all      Establish a baseline metric for on-time   We are holding monthly routing evaluation
students.                                                       routes will average 95% for   performance, number of bus routes,        meetings, continuing to attract and retain
                                                                on time performance.          and cost factors to be measured.          qualified bus drivers, and raining staff on
  a.    Enhance School Bus Transportation Efficiency and                                                                                essential factors of Transportation funding.
        Service: Optimize bus routes, improve on-time                                         Develop and implement process to          We are also developing leadership through
        performance, and potentially reduce costs                                             ensure all students receive bus safety    deliberate professional learning sessions and
        associated with transportation.                                                       programs.                                 conducting monthly sessions to evaluate
  b.    Promote Safe Bus Ridership Practices: Develop and                                                                               factors associated with on time performance.
        implement comprehensive bus safety programs for                                       Develop and implement process and
        students including boarding/disembarking                                              metric to ensure all bus drivers are      Create and develop a collaborative training
        procedures, behavior expectations, and emergency                                      current on safe driving practices and     regimen and schedule with report.
                                                                                              receive related training.
        drills.
  c.    Implement bus driver training programs: provide
        ongoing training for bus drivers to ensure they are
        current on safe driving practices, use of recent
        technologies, and student management strategies.




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Goal Area 6: Organizational Excellence

Performance Objective and Strategies                                   KPI                                   Goals for Year 1 (2024-2025)         Progress Update
6.3 Deliver efficient school nutrition services and healthy meals to   Smart Goal: By 2029, DCSD will        Develop key performance indicators   Develop and a define an
all students.                                                          increase the overall rate of school   to measure current practices and     operational KPI with rationale
                                                                       lunch participation by 10%.           revise as needed.                    and field test for data validity.
  a.    Optimize School Nutrition Services' Efficiency,
        Cost-Effectiveness, and Customer Satisfaction: Streamline                                            Develop a schedule for ongoing       Develop and a define a customer
        operations, reducing waste, and enhance the dining                                                   customer satisfaction feedback and   service KPI with rationale and
        experience for students.                                                                             data collection.                     field test for data validity.
  b.    Enhance Culinary Experience: Implement taste testing,
        diverse menu options, and appealing meal presentations to
        improve overall customer satisfaction.




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Next Steps

  ● Goal area teams continue to work on implementing strategies to meet
    the Year 1 goals for the selected performance objectives.
  ● Goal area sponsors attend MIRACLES Meetings monthly to share progress
    on implementation.
  ● Progress towards Year 1 goals will be shared with the board and
    community at the June board meeting.




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