Wichita's school board met Monday night to work on what goals to focus on for the district's strategic plan.
Board members were presented a list with about a two dozen goals based on community listening sessions.
Stan Reeser took some issue with deciding on the goals without more input from schools.
"If we're going to narrow this down to five, it almost feels like we need some principals and teachers in here as well," the said.
After a long discussion, Reeser relented, in part because the choices made during Monday's workshop are not final and there is still time to get further input later in the process or before the next meeting.
Members picked their five favorite goals by slapping stickers down next to them -- though some members couldn't choose just five and split their stickers in half to add some more choices.
The board ended the night with six goals to consider.
- Increased graduation rate.
- Increased 3rd grade reading proficiency.
- Increased Pre-K readiness through collaboration with community partners.
- An emphasis on individualized plans of study portfolios to improve college and career readiness.
- Make it so schools are perceived as safe places by students, parents and staff as measured by Safe & Civil Survey.
- Increased retention of qualified staff in all district positions.
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Stephan Bisaha is an education reporter for KMUW’s Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KMUW, Kansas Public Radio, KCUR and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. Follow him on Twitter @SteveBisaha.