BOE Sends Out 600 Strategic Planning Surveys

The Westfield Board of Education sent out a survey to the community this week to help formulate its priorities for the district's new five-year strategic plan.

The district sent the survey to a preselected, random group of 600 community members on Tuesday, and received back 91 responses on the first day, Superintendent Margaret Dolan told board members at their meeting Tuesday night.

Those given surveys, who had been previously contacted about it, have until Nov. 10 to reply. The district expects most surveys to be completed online though a paper version was also available to those who requested it.

"We really need a good response and want to know what the community thinks," Dolan said.

The results and analysis of the survey should be presented to the public at the board's meeting on Dec. 15, Dolan said.

A planning council will then determine areas of focus, identify objectives and a mission for the 2010-2015 plan. The administration expects to finalize the plan and have the board adopt it by June.

"The survey takes 10 minutes to do and your input is invaluable to us," said board member Ann Cary.