The Unified School District 333’s Board met for a Study Session on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the School Board Office.
Present were president Brad Berk, vice president Mike Cleveland, and members Nancy Owen, Amber Lambertz, Jenny Parker and Lindsay Metcalfe. Absent was member John Culley.
The purpose of this study session was to discuss the goals of the board and the superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year.
Three goals were identified as the focus for the upcoming school year.
They are to increase the number of students who are understanding at a grade level in math and reading by 4%, to engage the community in strategic planning to identify priority needs and to recruit and retain high-quality staff.
Much discussion was made on the methods of testing students to create a baseline of where students' knowledge already exists, before work can begin on the first goal.
The rapidness of data collection and strategies to combat test anxieties were also key factors in the discussion. Another important component in this discussion was that of decreasing chronic or repetitive absences and the strategies needed to eliminate them.
To address the needs of goal two, that of strategic planning, an outside organization will be sought and contracted to gather information, host meetings and/or surveys with the public to identify the most pressing needs of the district from the public’s perspective.
The overall aim is to meet with the public and identify stakeholders as well as establish a timeline for facility upgrades and planning.
As a way to measure the outcomes of goal three, much discussion was made on how staffing gaps would be identified and the use of current employment trends would help calculate what items should be a priority.
As part of this goal, an increased emphasis will be placed on recognizing staff and achievements within the district and publicly.
Other items addressed were the potential creation of a teacher academy with more instructional tools and more meaningful evaluations for teachers, in addition to increased professional development.
These meetings are always open to the public and the next board meeting is at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, with the next study session on Monday, Dec. 29.
