May 2011 Strategic Plan Update
The Strategic Planning Committee continues to meet regularly; we met twice in April, and we are making considerable progress toward our end goal of a Strategic Plan document.
After weeks of data collection, we have arrived at the strategic phase of analysis. We have completed worksheets on several topics. We have compared Berrybrook to other preschools, we have researched current programs in our region, and we have reviewed census statistics of our local towns; these are just a few examples of the early work we have done to prepare for next steps.
We have divided our work into three categories: Policies, Programming, and Buildings & Property. We have determined that a review of the policies of the School are a tactical – not strategic – initiative, and therefor require a worklist and not an analysis. The programming and the property, however, are strategic, and this past month we have begun the process of SWOT analysis. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths and Weaknesses, and Opportunities and Threats. From the current pre-school education philosophy to the desire to control growth, we acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses. From the current economy to the sustainability of new programs, we acknowledge the opportunities and threats ahead of us. This has been a learning experience for many of us on the committee, and we very much appreciate the expertise of our consultant, Teresa Goode, EdD.
It is important to note that a consistent Strength identified in this process has been the support of the Berrybrook community. From the beginning of this project, the committee set communication to the Berrybrook community as a key success factor. We thank you for your participation in our programming survey, your support and your involvement and feedback. We hope that these monthly updates are informative and make you feel included. Please be looking for upcoming opportunities to be involved in this important process, and please know that you can always contact us anytime.
Thank you,
Mark Longsjo, on behalf of the Board of Directors
