Working with Local Civic Organizations
Our district administrators serve on civic boards or hold leadership positions with the Northwest Jef- ferson County Chamber of Com- merce, Rotary International, and the Jefferson County (Economic) Growth Association. Working with these community groups identifies the district as a leader in the entire community—not just with families with school- age children.
Community-wide events hosted at various district facilities have attracted thousands of people, providing an opportunity to engage the community and pro- vide accessibility to the facilities. These efforts have led to three successful bond issues since 2008,
As part of the districtwide “listening tour,” superintendent Desi Kirchhofer met with focus groups to discuss school culture and climate.
which enabled us to expand and renovate all of our facilities.
Listening to the Community
All good leaders know that they must be willing to listen. When Desi Kirchhofer was named superinten- dent for the Northwest R-1 School District in 2017, he launched a “listening tour” to hear and learn from groups within the district boundaries. Kirchhofer and his cabinet met with three focus groups from each school: a student group, a parent group, and a staff group. Each focus group was asked the same questions, which provided data for analysis.
The answers highlighted several overlapping themes but also some differing perspectives.
During the first round of the listening tour, each group was asked: 1. What makes a school great? 2. How would you describe your school? 3. What do you believe are the district’s points of pride? 4. If you were the superintendent/principal, what would be your top priority?
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5. What are the biggest challenges or obstacles the dis- trict is facing?
6. What will students need to know and be able to do (skills, traits, knowledge)?
7. What should school/learning look like for students to be successful in the future?
8. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Addressing the same questions with three differ- ent groups was an enlightening exercise. The answers highlighted several overlapping themes but also some differing perspectives. The district shared the data with the board of education, district administrators, build- ing administrators, and the community at large. Finally, the district used the data to develop a new mission and vision that the board of education ultimately approved.
Developing Partnerships to Support the Community
Because Northwest’s geographical location and lack of a local government limit community resources, the district partners with local nonprofits and businesses. Two of the partnerships have focused on providing and extending resources for our district families and the community. In 2008, the district renovated and expanded its early childhood education facility. Part of the renova- tion included a large recreation room to accommodate learning, play, and lunch. The addition of the recreation room led to the underuse of the previous cafeteria and gymnasium. In 2011, Aging Ahead—an agency committed to serving and supporting citizens 60 years old and
SCHOOL BUSINESS AFFAIRS | JULY/AUGUST 2021 9
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