Transcript
[HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes speaking directly to the viewer.]
Hello! I’m Superintendent Bill Barnes and I am excited to share the strategic plan for the Howard County Public School System. The plan was months in the making, guided by students, staff, families and community members who provided input and helped establish the values we embrace as a Howard County community.
[Slide: Cover of the 2024-2029 HCPSS Strategic Plan: Together we will BE GREAT!]
This plan is reflective of those values and establishes the foundation so we may be great for every person we serve.
[Slide: An inverted pyramid composed of seven layers: Students are the top layer, followed by School-Based Staff, School-Based Administrators, Central Office Staff, Executive Leadership, Superintendent, and then Board.]
When I began as superintendent, I made clear that our students are at the top of our organizational structure, and we are committed to providing them with the best possible educational experience.
[HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes speaking directly to the viewer.]
The strategic plan, which can be found on our website, is comprehensive and thoughtful and I encourage you to become familiar with the entire document. In this brief video, I will highlight a few of the primary components of the plan.
[Slide: Our Vision.]
Our vision is clear: We are a great school system that inspires growth, well-being, and excellence for all. This is not just a slogan – it’s a commitment to creating an environment where every student can thrive, both academically and personally.
[Slide: Our Mission.]
To achieve this vision, our mission focuses on creating an innovative and accountable learning community where we expand opportunities and access, remove barriers, and foster an inclusive environment.
[Slide: Five Priorities.]
The plan outlines five key priorities that will help us achieve our mission.
The first priority focuses on providing high-quality instruction for all students, making sure they have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.
The second priority ensures all students have a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where their social and emotional needs are met.
Priority number three uplifts the need for recruiting and supporting our staff so they can thrive.
The fourth priority makes sure our system is running effectively and that we are allocating our budget and resources to best support student needs.
Our final priority is about strengthening our partnerships with families and the community.
[HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes speaking directly to the viewer.]
It’s important that we hold ourselves accountable for the contents of the plan so we will regularly monitor our progress and adjust as needed to ensure we are on track to achieve our goals.
I am incredibly excited about the future of our school system. We can’t do this important work alone. Together, we can build a legacy of excellence that benefits generations to come. Let’s fearlessly pursue our dreams and together we will be great.