The League of Women Voters of Kent strongly supports public school systems which are empowered by and responsive to the communities they serve. The League supports school systems that strive to provide students with a quality, comprehensive education and exhibit financial responsibility and stability. A system's ability to be a model educational institution stems from its dedicated, well-trained staff and fine physical facilities that are made possible through voter and community support.

Citizen Participation

The League supports:

• Ongoing citizen participation in the planning, development and review of all areas of Kent education programs. The League believes that active citizen participation is critical to ensure that the district is responsive to the changing needs of the Kent community that supports it.
• Encouragement of Kent citizens' substantive and continuous input through easy access to available information concerning the health, accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses of the school system. It is the school system's responsibility to provide an aggressive and open public information program that is scheduled into the school calendar, advertised and accessible to all who wish to participate. This can further be accomplished through use of the district's website, small group meetings with District staff members, and printed communication.
• Increased citizen participation through implementation of citizen advisory councils in each building, advertised public hearings, and the appointment of ad hoc committees to address specific concerns, such as facilities planning, curriculum changes, and financial planning.

   

Financial Accountability

The League recommends:

• Bond issues be considered for capital projects and major improvement projects. The limited use of current operating funds for minor capital improvements is acceptable.
• The District continues efforts to explain its needs for additional funds to potential voters on its own website and in its newsletter, in the local paper, and through any other means.

   

Planning

The League recommends:

• The District actively and aggressively seek public input on policy and planning issues--including long-range financial planning and facilities planning--before decisions are made on these matters.
• The District actively share the long range plans it has adopted with the community. If members of the community have concerns about planning issues, we encourage them to communicate directly with the administration or the Board of Education.
• Ad hoc committees should have clearly stated goals and time frames that are understood by all who participate. The district should value the results of such efforts and seriously consider any recommendations that are offered and provide feedback on the manner in which the recommendations were addressed.
• The ongoing efforts by the District to use feedback should be encouraged on all levels, national, state and/or local, to establish planning that will guide and move the district toward improvement.

   

Curriculum Development

The League supports:

• The continued focus on increased instructional time for all students from preschool through high school.
• Opportunities for individual creativity in writing and a continuing emphasis on critical thinking skills, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• A well-integrated reading and language arts program that incorporates strategies designed to meet individual learning styles and abilities. The League further supports expansion of learning experiences across the spectrum of student capabilities and needs, including the continual growth of gifted educational services and the longstanding Six District Educational Compact in which Kent participates.
• The continuing availability and expansion of technology for students and staff. Continuing integration of technology into curricular instruction is recommended along with additional opportunities for distance learning. The Kent City School District should continue to provide appropriate technical staff, which is crucial for the efficient and effective use of technology.
• The wide variety of curriculum and co-curricular offerings at the secondary level.
• The District's remediation programs that enable students, at all levels, to stay in school and reach their full potential.
• The continued incorporation of strategies and curricular content which promotes emotional well-being, social competence and emotional intelligence at every grade level.