Hanger Hall Strategic Plan, 2011-2016

Summary

The Hanger Hall Strategic Plan was developed through a 2-year collaborative effort of the board of directors, administration, teachers, parents, and student representatives.  Goals 1-4 will be targeted for full implementation in the next five years with personnel and fiscal resources to be focused on these goals.  We are committed to maintaining awareness of and energy for achieving other goals (5-16) to the extent that these can be accomplished with minimal investment of time and expense.  We are proud to announce that we have successfully completed this plan and this year the board and teachers are working to identify our next set of priorities for Hanger Hall.

Goal 1: Provide appropriate levels of challenge and support for all students

1. Strengthen Math Program
2. Strengthen Science Program
3. Provide appropriate levels of challenge for all students
4. Provide appropriate levels of support for all students
5. Provide on-and off-site counseling services for students and families
6. Create and implement a Personal Development Program for Hanger Hall Students

Summary of Implementation Plan: Providing the right levels of challenge and support for every Hanger Hall student throughout their middle school years is a key component of our Strategic Plan.  We will continue to “raise the bar” and increase opportunities within our math and science programs through a  multi-pronged approach: defining expectations and developing curriculum, providing enrichment programs (clubs, competitions, camps, tutoring and mentoring), improving facilities and acquiring resources for teaching/learning, and differentiating the curriculum to meet the varied needs of our students.  The addition of counseling services on site, in addition to a clearly-defined personal development/wellness program, will provide much needed support for adolescent girls and their families.

Goal 2: Support and Develop the Teaching Faculty

1. Strengthen recruitment efforts, competitive pay, and benefits for faculty
2. Strengthen professional development program

Summary of Implementation Plan: Recruiting and retaining an outstanding teaching faculty is central to our ability to continue to offer an exceptional academic program and unique learning environment.  This plan includes the goals of more competitive salaries and benefits for Hanger Hall’s teachers.  Over the next five years, for example, we hope to move toward compensation at 95% of local public school salaries (including supplement), 90% employer payment of health insurance for employees, and a 2% employer contribution to a retirement plan with a 2% employee match.  In addition, teachers will have significantly increased opportunities to learn and develop new teaching techniques through participation in professional organizations and workshops and seminars, with the goal of budgeting $1000 per year per full-time teacher for professional development.  The plan also calls for clearer personnel policies and a structured system for teacher growth.

Goal 3: Ensure the long-term sustainability of the school through improved fiscal management and development efforts

1. Improve business practices and fiscal responsibility
2. Create a development program to support the school in achieving goals

Summary of Implementation Plan:  With an eye toward the future, the Strategic Plan spells out a number of initiatives to build our fiscal reserves and provide the financial resources to achieve goals 1, 2, and 4. These include the development of new fiscal policies and procedures that are consistent with “best practices” in independent schools, including annual audits.  The Plan establishes a minimum goal for a contingency fund equal to 6% of the total budget within 5 years.  In addition, a Development Committee, working with the Head of School, will establish a development plan and calendar to coordinate fundraising efforts of various constituent groups.  A strong Annual Fund campaign, along with grants and partnerships, will be central to the development program.  The success of all of these efforts will require some contractual grant writing services and part-time development support.

Goal 4: Ensure adequate facilities and resources for teaching and learning
Establish a permanent home for Hanger Hall that meets the needs of the school
Acquire and maintain resources to support teaching and learning

Summary of Implementation Plan: A Facilities Committee will support the Head of School in identifying the best long-term home for Hanger Hall within the next three years.  Coordinated efforts of faculty, administration, parents and board will ensure the timely acquisition and maintenance of resources necessary for full implementation of the strategic plan and continued high quality experiences for Hanger Hall girls.

Goals 5-16: Continue to work on a variety of issues to improve program and operations at Hanger Hall, including communications, more office help, board visibility and leadership, financial aid, diversity within the community, program audits and possible accreditation, transportation, community service, visibility in the greater community, building an alumni network, improving athletic and PE programs, cleaner environment and better custodial support.