Strengths and weaknesses have been identified for USD 475 in a strategic planning committee report to the Board of Education.

Strengths that were noted ranged from diversity and military – Fort Riley partnerships to leadership – planning for the future, and professional development and support.

Weaknesses included areas ranging from teacher turnover and retention of staff to student transience and facilities.

Superintendent Dr. Corbin Witt said the district is still doing the long range planning process and gathering information. He said the strength – weakness analysis has been done with the community and administration. That still must be done with teachers and classified staff.

“We’ll pull all the information from all those different groups and we’ll start looking at the trends,  at what the needs are, and create a strategic plan as we move forward. We’ll have a steering team that goes through and starts putting together goals and procedures and practices.

On the facilities issue Witt thought that included ensuring that newer facilities remain in great shape, and that older facilities are upgraded to meet the needs of students for the type of education we’re providing now.”