By June 30, 2022, VPS staff will know that the superintendent and district leadership team have engaged with employees directly to solicit their input (i.e., ThoughtExchange, All-Staff Connect meetings, surveys, etc.) and conducted informal site visits to every school and work site, paying close attention to students, staff members and/or programs that otherwise might be overlooked.
In reviewing district data, themes emerged around the importance of re-engaging stakeholders and developing relationships. The size of VPS and the challenges of the pandemic have led to a general feeling of disconnection. In addition to student learning support, concerns have come up about general student mental health, and staff report feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin in trying to address student needs. The team felt it was important for the superintendent to connect with schools and stakeholders and actively listen to input and feedback.
Relationships built on trust are critical to understanding and knowing needs.
Understanding and knowing needs creates dependability in our systems.
Dependability provides safety.
Safety promotes collaboration for collective contribution.
Collective contribution is essential to serving students and our community.
Site Visits - all school sites visited at least 6x’s - 300+ visits for the years (in the initial transition year, the team felt it was important to be present; the following years should include more focused visits aligned with district goals)
Empathy Interviews conducted - an extended conversation with students and staff across the district, key themes included the importance of relationships that support staff and students
In Our Own Words - 40+ interviews conducted and published
Input opportunities -
Current practices: culture and climate surveys, labor management interactions, student and family surveys, direct contact to staff/school board
Expanded practices: All Staff Connect meetings, Thoughtexchange, senior exit interviews, empathy interviews, Student Advisor Committee