Lima City Schools
If the community of Lima is to realize the full impact of an exemplary education system, the Lima City Schools must have a clear and common understanding of what it intends to become, as well as the characteristics of its buildings and the role of the stakeholders involved in the effort. This vision statement intends to provide a platform which will guide discussion, decisions, and assessment as we work toward improvement.

Community

The Lima City Schools will become a school district that is committed to a partnership between the school and the community. The district will strive to meet the need of our diverse community in its commitment to ongoing communication. The community provides the district with resources that are essential in an effective education system. In such a district:

A. The community provides resources-personnel, facilities, materials, equipment, and time-that enable the school district to offer exemplary programs.
B. The community has access to the district's resources and facilities.
C. Parents play an active role in the education of their children, monitor their children's academic performance, work with teachers to emphasize the importance of education, are in regular communication with the school regarding improvement efforts and model a commitment to lifelong learning.

Climate

The Lima City Schools will become a district that recognizes relationships as the foundation for education. This acknowledges the need for a welcoming environment. Each building will maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning. Instructional time will be the priority. In such a district:

A. Relationships are based on mutual respect, open communication and understanding.
B. Schools are committed to providing an emotionally and physically safe, supportive environment.
C. Rules are based upon fundamental principles that provide clear guidelines for student behavior.
D. The entire staff helps students understand the importance of school rules through the consistent enforcement of those rules.
E. The district recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the entire learning community.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Lima City Schools will become a district that provides a balanced curriculum that includes specific knowledge and skills all students need to attain. The district designs curriculum and instruction to enable all students to achieve identifiable outcomes through their educational plans. In such a district:

A. All curricula is aligned and mapped vertically and horizontally so every teacher understands a relationship of his of her teaching to the rest of the curriculum.
B. Curricular goals are clearly stated at every grade level.
C. Comprehensive assessment methods and tools are developed to produce data related to individual and collective achievement.
D. Teachers collaborate regularly using data to set goals for student improvement.
E. The academic progress of each student is closely monitored, and a variety of interventions are provided related to individual needs.
F. Data is continually analyzed in order to set goals that demonstrate continuous improvement.
G. Best practices are collaboratively coached by teachers and administrators to continuously improve delivery of the curricula.
H. Teachers collaborate regularly using an inquiry process to make instructional decisions.
I. The technological and resource needs of each classroom are continuously analyzed and plans are developed to ensure that technology and other curricular resources are provided for students and staff in the constantly changing school environment.

Personnel and Staff

The Lima City Schools values the recruitment and retention of outstanding educators and support staff. This recruitment will be a collaborative effort between district and building leaders. Through ongoing professional development, the district will extend this quality ensuring that all staff:

A. Are guided by shared goals and a sense of common purpose.
B. Have high expectations for student achievement and accept responsibility for helping students meet those expectations.
C. Collaborate with one another on a regular basis on curriculum, instruction, individual student needs and improvement initiatives.
D. Model the importance of lifelong learning by their commitment to professional growth.

Students

The Lima City School District will be recognized as a student-centered environment. Student achievement and character are the central components of the district's success. In such a district:

A. Students are engaged in learning.
B. Students are involved in collaborative relationships that examine current achievement levels and set goals for future learning.
C. Students are involved in a school level intervention designed to assure their success.
D. Students feel safe in school and are actively involved in helping to establish an orderly positive school atmosphere.
E. Students experience a supportive educational relationship with a staff member in the school.
F. Students view schools as the focal point of the community as they involve themselves in meaningful school activities.

Leadership

The Lima City Schools will become a system of leaders who are able to build a shared vision for the district we desire. Leadership is valued on all levels including: district and building leaders, classroom leaders and leaders who take initiative for their own learning. In such a district:

A. Leadership models, promotes, and protects the district's vision on a daily basis.
B. Leadership establishes priorities, sets clear expectations, provides parameters and establishes direction toward the district's vision.
C. Leadership is passionate and patient, yet persistent, about achieving the vision.
D. Leadership empowers others to become involved in the continuous improvement process.
Leadership attends to personal learning and seeks collaboration in this effort.

Lima City Schools Adult Education Program