By Michael L. Wood, Superintendent of Schools

I think everyone can relate to making plans for something, whether it is for the family vacation, a trip to the grocery store, or hoping to get to work even though you have a “routine” dentist appointment. Plans are designed to take into account the where, when, how, and even “what if”. Those of us who are into planning every minute of every day have difficulty with people who don’t plan anything. Those who live from minute-to- minute look at the planners as an enigma while wondering why anybody would use such valuable time in such a feckless way. Planners organize time because planning provides direction and sets a purpose, whereas those who live in the minute-to-minute mode believe the best laid plans often go astray.

As the CEO of a large organization, I can tell you that lacking a plan that all employees and customers of the school system can point to creates a lack of context. Everyone should be able to understand why we allocate money, why we hire staff or why we change where positions exist, and why we are working toward a particular goal. Setting annual goals is important, but it is better for the organization to look at the big picture of where we want to go, how we think we will get there, and to discuss the strategic steps that will need to happen within the organization and the impact in the communities so that no one is left uninformed. I have recommended to our school committee to make it one of their goals to develop a strategic plan that will steer our course for the next five to ten years.

Superintendent Michael Wood has made available the correspondence and agenda letters for the Strategic Planning Committee:

• Invitation to Committee Members
• Strategic Planning Meeting
• 2005 - 2010 Strategic Plan

Nashoba Regional District Improvement Plan- 2003-2005

Nashoba Regional District Improvement Plan- 2007-2010