Letter to Families and Community Members from District Administrator Joe Zydowsky
December 17, 2024
Dear School District of Menomonie Area Families and Community Members:
The SDMA strives to provide programming and services that meet the needs and expectations of our students, staff and the community. As needs and expectations change, so must our schools. Over the next several months, the SDMA will be working with students, families, staff, and community members to develop a new strategic plan for our school district. This process will begin in early 2025, and there are several options for you to participate and have your voice heard:
1. Participate in an In-Person Listening Session: We hope you will invest time to attend one 60-to-90-minute visioning session to offer your input for the SDMA Strategic Plan. At this session you will be asked a few questions by a third party consultant about the school district’s strengths, opportunities for improvement, and your desired direction for our school district. Please pick a date and time that fits your calendar and make time to attend. No advance preparation is needed, and no RSVP is necessary. Your input will make a difference, so we urge you to take part.
Wednesday, January 8
● 8:00 am- Downsville Elementary School Library
● 10:00 am- Menomonie High School Tiered Lecture Hall
● 6:30 pm- Menomonie High School Auditorium
Thursday, January 9
● 8:00 am- Knapp Elementary School Library
● 10:00 am- Menomonie Middle School Library
● 6:30 pm- Menomonie Middle School Commons
Friday, January 10
● 8:00 am- Oaklawn Elementary School Library
● 10:00 am- River Heights Elementary School Library
● 12:00 pm- Wakanda Elementary School Library
2. Apply to Be a Member of the Strategic Planning Committee: The SDMA will be forming a 15-member team of staff, parents, community members, administrators, and board members to oversee the strategic planning process, analyze input, and make key plan recommendations to the Board of Education regarding the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. This group will meet approximately seven times over the next six months. Meetings will be held in the evening and each meeting will be approximately two hours in length. This option is for people who want to be directly involved in the strategic plan development process from start to finish. Please apply to serve on this Committee by submitting a completed Strategic Plan Committee Application by January 10, 2025. Note that those selected to serve on the Committee will be notified before the first meeting which will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30 PM. Your leadership in this important work would make a positive difference, so please consider joining this important committee.
3. Complete a Strategic Plan Survey: In February 2025, we will be sending you an email link to a Strategic Plan Survey. This is yet another way to have your voice heard. Please take the survey when it arrives.
If you have questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 715-232-1642 ext. 11111. Thank you for supporting our strategic planning process and our terrific Menomonie Area Schools.
Yours in education,
Dr. Joseph E. Zydowsky, District Administrator