West Central Reporter

The Jacksonville School District 117 Board held a Committee of the Whole meeting late last week to discuss district goals and strategies, as well as the district's mission and core beliefs.

In developing district goals, Superintendent Steve Ptacek noted four main areas of focus – a vision for why people would want their children in the district, goals for the board’s work, a mission statement for the organization in 15 words or less and core beliefs, focusing on the words "prepare," "partner" and "equity."

Ptacek said taxpayers should be respected as community partners with teachers, with everyone working to make the community better through education. also said graduation does not necessarily correlate with success and said the district’s mission is not only to graduate students, but also to prepare them for the real world.

Equity is also an important issue to Ptacek, who said the district should focus on providing a well-rounded education for its students, one that includes support for all aspects of education – from art, music and theater to science and technology.