Michael Arnold

This strategic plan outlines the mission to inspire and prepare students for their future education, work, and life, and envisions fostering student growth through trusting partnerships between students, staff, family, and community. The plan focuses on strategic pillars such as academic achievement, including expanded pre-kindergarten, special education, literacy, mathematics, science, and co-curricular opportunities. It also emphasizes academic engagement, innovation in schools, and cultivating a positive school culture. Additionally, the plan addresses comprehensive resource management, encompassing technology, facilities, finance, human resources, and communications.

Key discussion topics for this meeting include the election of officers for the 2021-2022 term (President, Vice President, and Board Clerk), discussions concerning the Renaissance Zone, and the establishment and confirmation of various School Board Committees. Other significant agenda items involved scheduling the Regular Board Meetings for the upcoming school year, approving the district's official financial institution and designated bank account signatories, approving the designation of the official newspaper, approving the North Dakota School Boards Association Policy Services Maintenance Contract, considering participation in numerous educational programs and units, adopting new Board Policies on first reading, approving the selection of legal counsel and the district auditor, ratifying an agreement with the Williston Basin Administrators Association, and approving the ESSER II Application, the Return to In-Person Plan, curricular supplementary materials, the Grocery Bid, the Milk Bid, and employment/wages for At-Will Non-Rep employees, as well as vendor approvals for Pro IT, Bakken Pro, and Shaw Specialty Services.

The key discussion point of this meeting was the approval of the superintendent's evaluation. Several board members expressed satisfaction with the progress observed and commended the superintendent for being receptive to board discussions. They also acknowledged the significant hard work contributed by the district staff, including administrative teams and various personnel, which facilitated this positive evaluation outcome.

The regular school board meeting included the adoption of the agenda and a presentation showcasing Williston Middle School Central Campus. The presentation detailed updates on student demographics, special education needs, and the focus on increasing student engagement to address chronic absenteeism and improve student achievement based on North Dakota insights data. Specific attention was given to academic growth across grades 5 through 8, with positive trends noted in student achievement tiers. Discussions also covered behavior data tracking, implementation of positive postcards, and involvement with legislators regarding BAR programs. Updates were provided on established processes, including the evolution of big block teams and behavior referral flowcharts. Furthermore, initiatives to improve staff climate and culture, such as changes to staff meetings and the implementation of the Vital Network survey, were reviewed. Program updates highlighted the introduction of Teacher Assistant and Student Ambassador programs, including a new student onboarding process supported by ambassadors, and attendance celebrations. Elective pathway growth was reviewed, detailing STEM (including robotics), visual and media arts, global perspectives, and plans for future course progression culminating in connections with the high school. Finally, plans for next year include adding a second weight training facility at the Central Campus due to high student interest and capacity constraints in the existing room.

This strategic plan aims to inspire and prepare students for the next level of education, work, and life by empowering them through engaging, effective instruction that fosters lifelong learning, critical thinking, and real-world relevancy. The plan is structured around four strategic priorities: Academic Engagement, Innovation—Technology, School District Culture, and Resource Management, focusing on continuous improvement in educational outcomes and organizational performance.