To start the new school year, Sparta officials shared details of its recently released strategic plan — a new logo, enhanced curriculum choices, continued facility and safety improvements and an increased emphasis on student wellness.
Recently passed by the Board of Education, the plan resulted from public input surveys and work by a group made up of administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents and community members.
“It is important that our community understands that this is important to us,” said Superintendent Pete Bush, at a recent community meeting to discuss the plan. “It will not be put on a shelf; it will be front and center of everything we do.”
The new logo – State of the Art – Small Town Heart – emphasizes a district commitment to continually strive to make Sparta Schools the best they can be while retaining the benefits of a supportive community, Bush said.
The plan calls for diligence in keeping up with facility updates. Completion of a new middle school is expected by the fall of 2020 after which the existing middle school will be transformed into an early childhood center.
Increasing options for its students is an ongoing goal, with an eye toward more college credit classes as well as more opportunities for students to pursue trades. Also mentioned are more potential sports, art or music opportunities, more community partnerships and more clubs.
Improving communications with its constituents and the community is also high on the priority list. One step already implemented is the establishment of a district-wide Facebook page.
Student wellness is a top priority, with a plan in place to form a committee that continually examines physical, emotional, and social-economic issues that affect students. “This is becoming more and more vital every year and we want to make sure we are providing what every student needs,” said Bush.
