Thursday's work session of the Butler County Board of Education will largely focus on the school system's efforts to implement a strategic plan for the future, according to Superintendent Mike Looney.

The board's work session will start at 6 p.m. with its regularly scheduled meeting to follow at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Looney said having a strategic plan in place for Butler County schools is imperative.

&#8220I like to refer to it as a long-term plan,” he said. &#8220Where are we going? Where do we want to be in five years, or 10 years, down the road?”

One of the major goals, said Looney, is to pull the school system up to standards as far as Annual Yearly Progress goes. Five Butler County schools are currently in School Improvement, which is mandated by the federal government's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 should a school fail to meet AYP.

&#8220Absolutely, it's something we're going to be focusing on,” said Looney about AYP. &#8220But we're also going to be looking at our athletics and what we offer as far as career technology goes.”

Looney said he's working with the board to hold community meetings in each respective board member's district. Communication of the plan is key, he said.

&#8220We want each school district to know what's going on,” he said. &#8220We want them to know why we are doing this and why it's important and send a constant message. But we want to hear from them. We want to base this plan around what the community wants.”

Looney said the school system is working to prepare a short video that will address the importance to the strategic planning process.

Additionally, the board will:

N Recognize McKenzie teacher Cindy Lowe, who was recently honored as ASAHPERD Athletic Coach of the Year, and recognize AASB School Board Member Academy Achievements.

N Report on fundraising drives/requests for use of school buses.

N Approve financial statements for month ending August 2005.

N Report on bid results for janitorial supplies.

In his report to the board, Looney will also address priorities for facilities, curriculum and instruction.