Coffee Hour Gives Super 'A Lot to Think About'

More than 20 members of the community came out to mingle today with Superintendent Sandra Brower at her first meet and greet.

“I’m looking forward to a lot of good changes that Dr. Brower has planned for the school district,” Maria Shuflat said. “I hope there aren’t many brick walls for her to breakdown.”

The coffee hour was an informal opportunity for parents and Lacey homeowners to voice their ideas, passions and visions, Brower said.

“People came out for a whole variety of reasons,” she said. “It gives me a lot to think about.”

Coffee hours are a part of Brower’s transition plan since she took the position in November.

that focus on listening and learning and eventually leading, she has previously stated. The plan includes meeting with “stakeholders” such as students, parents, teachers, staff, members of the community and the Board of Education.

“I think this is a good thing that she’s doing,” Stefanie Miller said.

The morning coffees give Brower the opportunity to know parents on a personal level, Donna Ward said. “She’s very receptive and willing to listen.”

The school district’s transition team will be meeting on Friday, Jan. 20, teacher Darlene Price said at the meet and greet. The team will be able to use any ideas and concerns brought up at the coffee hours.

Resident Cathy Rapsas, also a member of the transition team, said the meet and greet had a great response and Brower is “open minded.”

“She has hit the ground running with everything,” she said.

Brower plans to hold additional coffee hours throughout the school year.

On Jan. 26 there will be a coffee hour at at 7 p.m. This is also an informal, open door meet and greet. Coffee will be provided.

An open forum will be held on Feb. 8 at media center at 7 p.m. This forum will be structured with the purpose of “listening and learning.” Residents are asked to come prepared with topics, concerns and ideas. (RSVP to Arlene Petocz at 609-971-2002 or via e-mail at apetocz@laceyschools.org).

“At the forum we’ll strategically work together to recognize the good, the bad and the ugly,” Brower said.

Brower has been on the job now for nearly two months and soon she will be making one of her first school district changes in the technology department. The school district will undergo an assessment of its technology infrastructure for students and teachers, she said.

The technology modifications were not something that was planned but it is an issue that needs to be dealt with “right away,” she said.

This move will be one of her firsts in “Phase III” of her transition plan, “Leading in Lacey.”

According to Brower’s transition plan, this phase will “continue with the implementation of current successful initiatives as the foundation for improvements in other areas.”

Phase III also includes “reviewing the organizational structure, climate, budget, and technologies to ensure alignment of resources, efficiency and effectiveness.”

Brower’s mid-term report will be released in February. The report will apprise the Lacey community on progress made thus far and necessary improvements. Findings will be reported in three themes: teaching and learning, culture and community and operations.