Stacey Bissell

The committee held a workshop that included a presentation from the Sanford High School Scheduling Committee regarding potential changes to the 2026-2027 schedule. Additionally, the committee reviewed the results of the natural gas bid for future budgets.

The committee discussed project objectives, time commitments, and evaluated different schedule model formats, including block scheduling. They reviewed comparative data on enrollment and staffing from 2020-2021 through 2025-2026 to identify trends in course offerings and student needs. Additionally, the committee examined potential survey questions to be distributed to staff, students, and families, focusing on ensuring the questions are neutral and provide clear context regarding scheduling alternatives.

This document outlines the strategic direction for the Sanford School Department, centered on preparing students with future-ready skills for success in a rapidly changing world. Key areas of focus include fostering a positive learning climate and culture, ensuring equitable access and accountability, developing adaptable learning systems, promoting community collaboration, and cultivating future-ready skills. The vision emphasizes creating safe and inclusive environments, partnering with families and the community, and empowering students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, collaborators, adaptable and resilient individuals, and engaged citizens.

The committee held multiple executive sessions, a regular meeting, and a workshop. Discussions included student re-entry and disciplinary matters, student representative interviews, special education advisory updates, policy committee reports, and curriculum and wellness initiatives. The committee approved financial reserve allocations, set parameters for making up school cancellations due to weather, accepted policy readings, and appointed new student representatives. Additionally, they reviewed resignations, retirements, staff appointments, and transfers, and held a workshop focused on the student use of cell phones and electronic devices.

This strategic plan outlines the Sanford School Department's commitment to preparing all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic world. It is built upon core principles that prioritize fostering a positive learning climate and culture, developing future-ready skills, ensuring equitable access and accountability, implementing adaptable learning systems, and strengthening community collaboration. The plan envisions graduates who are critical thinkers, emotionally intelligent, adaptable, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners, prepared to navigate post-graduation transitions successfully.