The East Baton Rouge Parish School System began revising its current Strategic Plan in earnest Monday, April 4, when more than 230 participants took part in 20 different focus groups over a three-day period. These participants included community and business leaders, members of the faith-based community, parents, students, East Baton Rouge Parish School System staff and School Board members.

During the focus groups, the participants were asked to share their thoughts about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the public School System. Information collected during those focus groups will be used as a basis for the new strategic plan.

The process of revising the current strategic plan allows both internal and external stakeholders the opportunity to help guide the district’s educational philosophy, set targets for student achievement and define the School System’s overall operational focus for the next three to five years. The School System, with help from area business and community members, has contracted with American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) Consulting to help guide the district through this process.

To ensure information is gathered from as many community members as possible, a survey is now housed on the home page of the district’s Web site.  It will allow participants to contribute comments online, as well. Those interested may complete the survey by logging onto www.ebrschools.org. All comments will be forwarded to APQC for use in developing a new strategic plan for the District.