Parkland Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rodney Troutman recently presented an overview of the 2019-22 comprehensive plan which will replace the expiring strategic plan of 2012-18.

He began with a look at the education community and how it has changed from 2013-14 to 2017-18.

In that time period, enrollment increased by 240 students while the number of district personnel grew by 139 employees.

Administrators remained the same at 63.

Children receiving special education services remained at 15 percent while those having gifted education declined from 8.0 percent to 7.3 percent.

Troutman pointed out changes in diversity of the student enrollment which was 74 percent white in 2013-14 and 65.6 percent white in 2017-18.

Hispanic students increased from 10 percent to 14.3 percent. African-American students remained at 4 percent.

The Asian student population increased from 10 percent to 12.3 percent, and all other ethnic categories moved from 2 percent to 3.8 percent.

Students eligible for free or reduced lunch in 2013-14, was 18.2 percent of the student population. That number climbed to 25.2 percent in 2017-18.

Troutman said the existing vision statement, “Educating for Success, Inspiring Excellence,” will continue in the new comprehensive plan.

He provided the mission statement which identifies what the district and community do, for whom they do it, and for what benefit.

In the comprehensive plan, Parkland’s mission is: “To create a safe and secure environment that promotes social and academic growth for all learners.

“Parkland strives to empower each learner to be a meaningful contributor in a dynamic global society through the collaborative efforts of students, staff, parents and the Parkland community.”

Troutman presented a list of shared values in the categories of collaboration and community; safety and well-being; curriculum; learning; and instruction.

After delineating numerous district accomplishments, Troutman pointed out areas of concern as the district moves ahead.

These include increased enrollment and congested schools; maintaining first responder meetings and practicing crisis plans; seeking better ways to communicate inside and outside the school community; providing relevant professional development for staff; updating gifted programs; and ensuring differentiated instruction and personalized learning are used in all classrooms.

Troutman said each individual school is looking at its goals and what it needs to do to become better.

“We make decisions based on what is in the best interest of kids,” Troutman said.