The two key outcomes of the workshop were:
- Development of input on Core Values for the Strategic Roadmap
- Begin the individual and team reflection and input for the Vision – 2014 Workshop to be completed at the third meeting on Wednesday April 8th at the Mississippi Room at the St. Cloud Library.
The teams were guided through a Core Values Workshop by Dennis Cheesebrow of TeamWorks International. In this process, Core Values are defined as the values which will drive the words and actions of all: Board, administrators, staff, students and parents in the work and efforts of the District. Core Values are intended to be real, relevant and robust so the application can positively influence the relationships and outcomes of the District. Core Values are usually one to a few words and accompanied by a definition developed by the team.
The consultant offered a viewpoint to the team of the current Core Values as containing several elements of values, vision, strategy and beliefs which together are too long to be effectively used by staff and students at the school and classroom level. It is intended to sharpen, simplify and focus the Core Values for use by all at the school and classroom level.
The process started with a review of the existing Core Values and a sampling of Core Values developed and used by 6 other schools districts in the past few years as examples of final outcomes. Twelve tables of team members developed the first level of values, and then the table consolidated into six teams which developed the second level of core values. Out of the second level of core values emerged a DRAFT of Core Values for consideration by the team at the April 8th meeting.
DRAFT:
Core Values: Drivers of Our Words and Actions
- Excellence - a relentless pursuit of the highest standards of and for all while being accountable to each other in all we do
- Learning - the student as center in our planning, preferences and choices assuring opportunities to maximize learner access, potential and success in an equitable manner
- Leadership - acting courageously, fulfilling our responsibilities, and engaging our constituencies to bring valued perspectives to our decisions
- Partnership - engaging in our shared mission with trust, competence, transparency and interdependency with all of our stakeholders: staff, students, parents, public, administrators and school board
- Respect - honesty, authenticity and compassion in our words and actions recognizing & valuing each individual’s strengths, differences & contributions
