NSSEO Update

In December, the writing of the Strategic Plan began with in-person, full-day meetings with all eight member district superintendents, some governing board members, NSSEO teaching staff, related services staff, ESPs, administrator representatives, as well as the NSSEO superintendent and cabinet. HYA led the group and presented the same data that was presented to the Governing Board at the November meeting, to ensure that all team members had the same foundation in understanding the ongoing needs of the organization. After establishing a common understanding of the available data, participants were led to identify issues that force the organization to either accept the inevitable decline of the organization or to create new possibilities which was accomplished through a variety of collaborative activities and much discussion.

First and foremost, the group determined that the NSSEO Vision and Mission statements were still appropriate and described what we do, and will continue to do for students and that no changes were needed.

The identified priorities were established (in no particular order), to be addressed by the plan which will serve the organization for the next several years:

• Instruction and Programming: As an organization, we will design and use a continuous improvement process for instruction and program development that is responsive to the evolving needs of our students.

Detail: In particular, the organization is highly valued by member districts for accepting all students who cannot be served at their member districts. Continuous improvement and prediction of the needs of students will need to continue to occur as will the preparation of curriculum and staff.

• Governance: As an organization, we will implement a well-defined advisory + governance structure which ensures collaborative decision-making and engagement of member districts (superintendents) and NSSEO.

Detail: The added layer of an advisory board, composed of the member district superintendents in collaboration with the NSSEO superintendent, making recommendations to the governing board is recommended as it will provide the necessary transparency and communication to ensure the continuous meeting of member districts' needs in a changing educational and financial landscape.

• Facilities and Finance: As an organization, we will develop and execute a fiscally responsible, long-range facilities plan that prioritizes a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.

Detail: A facilities plan (as opposed to a maintenance plan) is recommended as it will guide efforts to ensure students and staff have the necessary environment to realize the organization's mission and vision for all students.

• High Quality Staff: As an organization, we will retain high-quality staff, through effective hiring processes and a positive work culture that demonstrates support, value, and growth.

Detail: The significant, nationwide shortage of special education professionals requires added emphasis and attention to the crucial aspects of both onboarding of new, and maintaining of current staff, through continuous training and clear examples of support and appreciation in a competitive market.

The next phase of development of the NSSEO Strategic Plan is the development of action plans for each of the identified priorities: Governance; Facilities and Finance; High Quality Staff; and Instruction and Programming. On January 22nd and 29th, the NSSEO administration, representatives from member districts, and governing board representatives met to collaboratively develop action plans for each designated priority.

Dear Miner, Kirk, Timber Ridge, and DHH Program Families,

Though it is only January, we are already preparing for the warmer months ahead and determining the dates for our Extended School Year Program (ESY)/Summer School for students. As in the past, the ESY program will be additional ‘full days’ of school provided to your student beyond the regular school year to help students maintain the skills they have acquired this year.

The dates of this year’s ESY for Kirk, Miner, and Timber Ridge are tentatively proposed as June 6th - June 20th. DHH Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School ESY are tentatively proposed for June 13th to June 30th. ESY will be held Monday through Friday with no school on June 19th (Juneteenth Federal Holiday) These dates ‘may’ change if we need to use emergency days due to severe weather. There is a lot of winter left, so we will keep families informed of any possible changes to these dates. The number of days we are able to offer this year is, unfortunately, a little shorter (four days shorter, to be exact) due to the unavoidable need for construction at some of our schools and the construction company needing full access to the buildings to ensure that school starts on time in August. The magnitude of many of the projects is large, including new heating and air conditioning, which require the opening of walls and the remediation of any additional issues found as a result.

Please note that this communication is for the Summer 2025 program only. We may need to have a similar schedule for the summer of 2026 but are waiting for additional information from our construction partners before making any decisions for next school year.

We know that the fewer number of days will be a disappointment and inconvenience and wanted to give you the information as soon as possible. The upgrades are desperately needed and will improve the learning environment for our students. We appreciate your understanding.

This topic was voted on and approved by the NSSEO Governing Board on February 5th, 2025.

Thank you.
Sincerely,

Dr. Meg Schnoor
Superintendent
NSSEO

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Queridas familias de Kirk, Miner, Timber Ridge y los programas de D/HH

Aunque apenas es Enero, ya nos estamos preparando para los meses más cálidos que se avecinan y estamos programando las fechas de nuestro Programa de Año Escolar Extendido (ESY)/Escuela de Verano para estudiantes. Como en el pasado, el programa ESY consistirá en “días completos” adicionales de escuela, que se le brindarán a su estudiante, más allá del año escolar regular, para ayudarlo a mantener las habilidades que ha adquirido este año.

Las fechas propuestas tentativamente para el ESY de este año para Kirk, Miner y Timber Ridge son del 6 al 20 de Junio. El ESY de la escuela primaria, secundaria y de la primera infancia de DHH se propone tentativamente del 13 al 30 de Junio. El ESY se llevará a cabo de lunes a viernes y no habrá clases el 19 de Junio (día feriado federal Juneteenth). Estas fechas "pueden" cambiar si necesitamos usar días de emergencia debido al clima severo. Todavía queda mucho invierno, por lo que mantendremos a las familias informadas de cualquier posible cambio en estas fechas. La cantidad de días que podemos ofrecer este año es, lamentablemente, un poco más corta (cuatro días menos para ser exactos), debido a la inevitable necesidad de construcción en algunas de nuestras escuelas, y la empresa constructora necesita acceso total a los edificios para garantizar que la escuela comience a tiempo en Agosto. La magnitud de muchos de los proyectos es grande, incluida la nueva calefacción y el aire acondicionado, que requieren la apertura de paredes y la remediación de cualquier problema adicional que se encuentre como resultado.

Tenga en cuenta que esta comunicación es solo para el programa de verano de 2025. Es posible que necesitemos tener un cronograma similar para el verano de 2026, pero estamos esperando información adicional de nuestros socios de construcción antes de tomar cualquier decisión para el próximo año escolar.

Sabemos que la reducción de días será una decepción y un inconveniente, y queríamos brindarle la información lo antes posible. Las actualizaciones son muy necesarias y mejorarán el entorno de aprendizaje para nuestros estudiantes. Agradecemos su comprensión.

Este tema fue votado y aprobado por la Junta de Gobierno de NSSEO el 5 de febrero de 2025.

Gracias.

Atentamente,
Dr. Meg Schnoor
Superintendente
NSSEO

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