After approving the Fountain Hills Unified School District’s goals for 2015-16 at the Aug. 26 meeting, the Governing Board has now approved Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney’s personal goals for the current academic year.

This year’s goals were the result of a recent board retreat in which Sweeney and board members discussed the current state of the district, its strengths and challenges.

During the Sept. 9 governing board meeting, Sweeney explained that the district goals for the current school year are, in turn, his personal goals moving forward.

To further expand on those objectives, Sweeney highlighted steps he felt would move the district toward achieving its four overarching goals.

Board Vice President Edith Stock said she felt this year’s goals were “lofty” and that she looks forward to seeing them achieved in the months ahead.

The board approved the superintendent goals for 2015-16 unanimously.

Goal 1

“Support and promote policies and practices that increase student achievement and inspire all students to reach their maximum potential.”

To achieve this goal, Sweeney said he aims to align and articulate standards, curriculum and instructional practices across the district, as well as develop a common understanding of “student engagement.”

Another personal goal under this item was to create a Superintendent’s Advisory Board, which will be made up of local representatives to “provide input and expertise regarding trends and changes that influence graduates’ success in college, universities and the workforce,” according to Sweeney’s report.

Goal 2

“Support all district students, staff and programs and promote success and excellence.”

To reach this FHUSD goal, Sweeney stated that he wishes to collaboratively develop and implement a FHUSD Marketing and Communications Plan to improve internal and external communications.

He also aims to develop multiple pathways to college and career readiness that will include honors and advanced placement courses, dual enrollment and CTE programs. This will go hand-in-hand with a more active approach to making these pathways known to all students.

Goal 3

“Build and sustain a collaborative Pre-K through 12 learning environment that meets the needs of individual students, their families and our community.”

Sweeney stated that identifying and articulating common logistical practices such as open house and “welcome back” events will be key to providing a more seamless transition between grade levels, as well as strengthening relationships between site administration, educators support staff and parents.

Sweeney also expressed a desire to “initiate a systemic focus on measuring success in terms of results, process and relationships.”

Goal 4

“Implement and maintain responsible stewardship of district funds and other resources, guided by the best interests of our students.”

For this goal, Sweeney emphasized fiscal prudence to maximize dollars in the classroom, as well as the implementation of processes to improve internal controls for accurate accounting of cash accounts.

“We’ll be on time and accurate,” Sweeney commented during the Sept. 9 meeting.

Sweeney said he aims to improve internal controls for accurate and timely reporting of periodic financial statements, too, as well as improve understanding of things like the budget process, school finance laws and the like.