Heart of Wisconsin
Business & Economic Alliance and
Community Foundation of
South Wood County
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A Joint Initiative Between Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and Community Foundation of South Wood County |
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Breaking News September 4, 2006 - Port Edwards schools embrace community involvement By: Sheldon Ferkey, for the Daily Tribune Thanks to a new initiative taking place in the Port Edwards School District, putting your ideas into action has never been easier or more appreciated. The initiative, dubbed "Finding Our Common Interest" was modeled after a session presented during the Advanced Leadership Institute, a leadership course co-sponsored locally by the Community Foundation of South Wood County and the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance. As the name implies, the focus of the initiative is to involve as many "stakeholders" in the decision-making process as possible. Additionally, rather than focusing on our differences, they focus on our common ground. The stakeholders, who include the district's students, taxpayers, teachers, parents, support staff, business owners, residents and board members, are invited to each of the common interest meetings conducted at the John Edwards Elementary School. The sessions begin at 7 p.m. and typically run about two hours. Since the initial meeting in May, there have been monthly meetings to further discuss ideas, concerns and strategies to help the district succeed in an ever challenging future. There were 29 common interest items that were initially identified as critical to the role of the district now and in the future. Some of the items are things the district is doing very well in, and we want to keep doing well. Other items identify areas that there is a clear desire to improve in. The entire concept is based on the idea that we involve as many stakeholders in the process as possible. This is the key to keeping the community interested and involved in our school district, and it's the only way we can truly expect them to take ownership of the final product. |
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