Superintendent Entry Plan

Dear Longview Community,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received since joining Longview Public Schools. It’s an absolute honor to step into the role of superintendent, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community.

As I begin this journey, my top priority is to understand the unique values, traditions, and
relationships that define Longview. I am deeply committed to learning about the hopes you have
for your children and our schools, and to work together to achieve our shared vision for the future.

The purpose of my entry plan is simple: to listen, learn, and identify both our strengths and
opportunities for continued growth. Through a thoughtful, phased approach, I’ll be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that every voice is heard. This inclusive process will allow us to take strategic actions that align our resources with our ultimate goal—ensuring the academic success and well-being of every student.

Most importantly, my goal is to build a strong foundation of transparency and trust as we embark on this journey together. I’m excited to learn from you, collaborate with you, and work towards the future we share for Longview.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen L. Cloninger

Superintendent’s Entry Plan Goals

Mission and Systems

Professional Collaboration

Collaboration with the Board

Community of Care and Support

Meaningful Engagement

Key Questions

Entry Plan Phases

Phase 1 - Listening and Learning: July - November 2024

This phase will consist of meetings and activities geared toward authentic engagement and deeply listening:

One-to-one and group meetings with district/department leaders, district staff, building leaders, school staff, and retired leaders. - In Progress
Meet with community leaders, business leaders, university/college partners, education partners, elected leaders, and local service leaders. - In Progress
Attend parent/family organization meetings (PTO, PTA, Booster Club). - In Progress
One-to-one and group meetings with association leaders. - Complete
Participate in district and school events, and attend community events and community organization meetings. - In Progress
Engage with local media. - In Progress
Review policies and procedures, contracts, job descriptions, hiring needs, budget, safety plans, and construction and maintenance plans. - In Progress
Review data from multiple sources. - In Progress
Continue to develop a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors. - In Progress
Site visits at all schools and programs. - In Progress
Meet with student groups and establish student advisories at secondary levels. - In Progress
Ride a school bus route. - Not Initiated
Serve a school breakfast or lunch. - Not Initiated
Nurture a culture of feedback and communication about progress toward goals (what is working and what is not working). - In Progress
Join Rotary, Longview Chamber of Commerce, and other civic organizations. - Complete
Start an internal superintendent newsletter. - Complete
Continue to ask for and accept suggestions for ongoing meetings and community engagement opportunities. - In Progress

Phase 2 - Analyzing, Planning and Reporting: December 2024

This phase will focus on analyzing and summarizing the information gathered during the listening and learning phase:

Outline findings and observations gleaned during one-to-one and group meetings. - Not Initiated
Continue to review policies and procedures, contracts, job descriptions, and hiring needs for alignment to findings. - Not Initiated
Continue engaging with students, staff, families, and community members. - Not Initiated
Identify strengths for sustainability and determine areas of opportunity for continued improvement. - Not Initiated
Report to the Board of Directors. - Not Initiated

Phase 3 - Aligning Resources and Taking Strategic Actions or Refinement: 2025

This phase is about identifying areas for sustainability, refinement or renewal:

Identify strengths for sustainability and determine areas of opportunity for continued improvement. - Not Initiated
Verify that the district strategic plan provides the direction, actions, and ownership to achieve our goals for student academic success and social well-being. - Not Initiated
Align resources and take strategic actions focused on our student goals for academic success and well-being. - Not Initiated
Continue to engage with students, staff, families, and community members. - Not Initiated

Printable Entry Plan

September 2024 - Download

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