NEWS

HPSD seeks public input

Special to the American

Hattiesburg Public School District is seeking public participation as it develops a strategic plan that will guide the district in accelerating student and school achievement over the next four years.

The Hattiesburg School Board last month contracted with P3 Strategies LLC, a Jackson consulting firm, to develop strategic recommendations aimed at student achievement.

“We are excited to partner with Superintendent (James) Bacchus and the School Board to craft strategic guidance for the school district and look forward to hearing the voice of community,” said Pamela Shaw, president of P3 Strategies LLC.

Community participation, a component of the strategic planning process, will involve facilitated discussion by a working group of key community constituents of the district and community surveys. The Strategic Plan Initiative Working group is comprised of parents, students, administrators, teachers, community, business and civic leaders. Focused areas of discussion will be: Inputs and Outcomes Necessary for High School Success; 20 Percent of Graduates Career and College Ready; and Expansion of 1:1 Computing Prek-12th Grade.

Two surveys have been developed to gauge opinions of parents and the community and of teachers and administrators. The surveys can be accessed on the Hattiesburg Public School District website, www.hattiesburgpsd.com.

Bacchus is encouraging the community to participate in the

surveys.

“The success of this strategic plan for the Hattiesburg School District depends on involving and gaining insight from all those who are involved in and care about the success of the district and its future,” Bacchus said. “Teachers, administrators, parents and community members, I value your input and encourage your participation.”

To take the parent and community survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZNMNMTY. To take the teacher and administrator survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZN582JB

The orientation of the working group will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center, 220 W. Front St. Future working group sessions will be held at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, 2420 Hardy St. The public is invited to attend all sessions.