NOVEMBER 2021 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Marshall Public Schools excitedly welcomed approximately 80 district stakeholders who participated in one or more days of the Community Conversation held on November 10, 11 & 13, 2021. The three-day event, held in the high school commons, was a collaborative gathering of district residents, families, students, school staff, business leaders, and government officials. Event participants reflected on Marshall’s past, learned about current initiatives, and identified expectations for the future of our school district to ensure that each graduate is colleague, career, and life-ready. Light meals were provided. Marshall High School HOSA students provided child care. The event was facilitated by Mr. Drew Howick.
Wednesday’s participants began the event by identifying what has happened globally, locally, and in the district over the past 60 years. Stakeholders then identified the issues and trends that have shaped the district and Marshall community. Each stakeholder group identified and shared what they are glad about, sad about, and mad about with Marshall Public Schools.
On Thursday evening, participants identified the skills and attributes that Marshall students need in order to be college, career and life-ready. Next, participants were placed in one of five groups to develop a vision for Marshall Public Schools in response to the scenario: It is November 13, 2033. You have been away from the area for the last twelve years and have recently returned. During the last several months you have visited the schools, talked to teachers, attended board meetings, and observed the students. You are very impressed with what has taken place in the school district over the last twelve years as you have noticed that the children and young adults in the community are thriving. What has the school district been doing to address the evolving needs of all students so they are college, career, and life-ready? Participants spent the remainder of Thursday evening planning how their group will present their vision to the larger group.
Each of the five groups presented their future scenario, while all participants identified the themes presented in each scenario. Themes were recorded and posted for all to see and then rated in order of most important priorities/themes. The event concluded with numerous thank yous and a group picture. Event participants received a district logo decal and a Marshall mug.
The Board of Education and the District Administration have reflected on the feedback received during the event. Next, the Board of Education identified the following four study team themes: curriculum & opportunities, community engagement, staff retention & trainings, and buildings & grounds. Each of the study teams will share their findings with the Board in May.
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