Jan. 20, 2015. The Watauga County Schools system is continuing to invite public input on the development of a new strategic plan for the district.
“We very much want the strategic plan to be a useful working document that will help us make our schools even better so that our students can be even more successful,” stated WCS Supt. Dr. Scott Elliott. “We know the plan will be stronger if it reflects input from the many stakeholders in our schools and we encourage all of the community to take part in its development.”
The strategic plan will include specific objectives to help shape the school system’s priorities and programs in the years ahead. Most objectives will emerge during the plan’s development, but one clear priority will be to continue increasing the graduation rate. The graduation rate at Watauga High School has risen from under 70 percent seven years ago to slightly over 87 percent for 2014 and is now about 4 percent above the statewide rate.
A survey to gather public input on the strategic plan is available through a link on the left side of each page on the Watauga County Schools website and on school websites. Links to the survey are also available on the Parent Links and News and Data pages of the district website.
As another way to encourage public participation in developing the plan, Dr. Elliott is glad to come and speak about the plan with civic and business organizations, church groups, and other members of the community.
The Watauga County Schools system consists of eight K-8 schools and one comprehensive high school for grades 9-12. The system has a total enrollment of 4,400 students and is consistently one of the highest performing districts in the state.