A New Year in Gwinnett Public Education

As our nation and community prepare to enter 2012, the School Board and Superintendent are updating Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Strategic Priorities for 2010-2020. Also, we are seeking community input related to the Academic Knowledge and Skills Curriculum through meetings of the GEMS Oversight Committee.

At the five GCPS Area Board meetings in March and April of 2012, we will report to community members feedback that we have received related to these two important initiatives. We invite this feedback to help the school system collaborate with those whose support is vital to sustaining a high performing school district that provides a quality and effective education for every student.

Sustaining the excellent academic reputation that GCPS has earned over many years requires that we continuously review where we are as a district and envision what the organization must be in the future to meet the rapidly changing education, employment, and economic development demands of the 21st Century.

Through the “Strategic Priorities for 2010-2020,” we seek to address the fundamental question: “What should Gwinnett County Public Schools look and be like in the next decade?”

The Strategic Priorities outline the desired qualities and characteristics of major components of the school district’s operations. These include:

1) students; 2) employees; 3) parents and guardians; 4) governance and leadership; 5) curriculum, instruction, and assessment; 6) facilities and operations; 7) financial stewardship; 8) information management and technology; 9) communication, public image and community pride.

Our success depends upon the support of our people—those employed by the district and those served by it. We hope to successfully encourage everyone to do their part in helping the district realize its vision. 

As District III School Board member, I bring three of the nine Strategic Priorities to the attention of our readers. The other six priorities can be accessed through the GCPS website—www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. 

1. Students.  As engaged learners, our students will reach their full learning potential. They will be critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and effective communicators. What they experience as Gwinnett students will encourage their growth as curious, analytical, imaginative, and adaptable learners.  They will take responsibility for their own learning, achievement, and behavior, making the most of opportunities in Gwinnett schools. 

Also, they will demonstrate high levels of character, taking pride in their school, community, and country. They will develop leadership and teamwork skills and prepare to be successful American citizens who function effectively in a global economy.  Students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to succeed in college, work, and life.

2. Parents and Guardians. As partners with the school, parents/guardians of Gwinnett students will support their children’s education. They will be engaged with their children and teachers to optimize teaching and learning at school and in the home. They will support and reinforce high expectations for learning and behavior, and will share accountability for their children’s success at school. 

Families will value and encourage personal responsibility, regular attendance, and a strong work ethic. They will routinely communicate with teachers and the school, sharing information, concerns. 

Parents and guardians will be well-informed about their school’s direction and initiatives, as well as of other schools in the district. As a result, parents and guardians will exhibit high levels of support for their schools and confidence in GCPS as a school system of choice.

3. Employees.  Gwinnett County Public Schools’ employees — teachers, administrators, and support personnel — will be committed to high expectations for student learning and will take responsibility for the results achieved. 

They will be caring, dedicated professionals who embrace lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Their effective use of data and information will improve teaching and learning and their own job performance. Employees will exhibit the highest ethical standards and will expect the same from their co-workers, students, and school district.

About this column: Mary Kay Murphy, Ph.D., is GCPS District III School Board member representing Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, Norcross, Duluth and parts of Peachtree Ridge. She served as Board Chair in 2010, 2004, and 2000.