What’s most important to the people in the Oconto Falls School District?
That’s one question the Oconto Falls School Board hopes to answer by contracting with Patina Solutions, of Madison, for a process referred to as future search methodology.
The School Board on Monday granted preliminary approval to start the process, in which school personnel and community members look into the past, present and future of the district and develop a big-picture framework from which administrators make decisions.
Patina Solutions representative Drew Howick said the process results in three outcomes: developing a shared vision, finding common ground and creating an action plan for five to 10 years into the future.
“It’s not just a fluffy vision, it’s very specific in terms of outcomes,” Howick said.
“In my mind, going through a process like this is absolutely critical,” Superintendent Dean Hess said.
Howick said the system is not a quick fix for immediate issues, but instead is a long-term strategy for the district.
“The process of this is very empowering,” he said.
School Board member Ken Harter said it’s an opportune time to begin this goal-setting process, because it will set a long-term strategy for Hess, who is new to the school district.
“It has some elements of what we attempted before,” Harter said, referring to strategic planning that began in 2011.
Howick said the process involves a leadership team and design team that recruit 60 to 200 stakeholders representing well-respected people in the community. The group meets at a three-day conference and identifies patterns and priorities, then develops ways to implement the priorities.
“It’s bringing the right people together at the right time, and they will identify what’s most important for you,” he said.
For Oconto Falls, the planning could begin as early as this winter, with a conference set for fall 2016.
The School Board asked Howick to provide a contract for board review on Jan. 11 that would include a time line and expenses. A contract with Patina Solutions was estimated at $20,000 to $25,000, plus there will be food and other expenses for the group meetings.
“Most of the investment will be in people’s time,” Howick said.
Hess said he has been through the process before, and it involved 165 to 175 people.
“I just didn’t see any way that we were going to get that many people involved in something and have a positive outcome,” he said. “I was wrong.”
Since coming to Oconto Falls in June, Hess said he has witnessed community groups pulling together and has felt the pride people have in the school district and community.
“The opportunity is here, and I think the people are ready for it,” he said.
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