New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020Currently, the New Bedford Public Schools Strategic Plan for 2008–2011 (NBPS Strategic Plan) lays outspecific elements that are appropriate to incorporate into New Bedford 2020, as presented below. 2Mission StatementVisionGuiding PrincipleWe are committed to developing a community of learners who are academicallyproficient, demonstrate strong character and exhibit self-confidence.“As whalers’ oil provided light to the world, so shall New Bedford students shinewith academic excellence.”Children and youth are the highest priority in all decision making.> All students have the right to achieve to their highest potential.> School culture and climate must be responsive to the diverse needs of ourstudents.> All of our students can succeed academically.Goal with ObjectivesSet high academic standards for all students and believe they can achieve them.> Create a positive school culture that builds character and self confidence.> Engage parents and community in the learning process.> Establish a professional staff that demonstrates quality, diversity and a strongbackground in content knowledge and pedagogy.The NBPS Strategic Plan goes into depth on how to accomplish specific goals by assigning objectivesassociated with each goal, as demonstrated by the example above. The objectives are further developed into thespecific categories, including activities, responsible parties, schedules, and expected outcomes during thePlan’s timeframe.Many of the NBPS Strategic Plan actions support other recommendations of New Bedford 2020, such asworkforce development for marine science and technology, renewable energy, and healthcare. Furthermore,safer communities, more public engagement, and expansion of community spirit are benefits of increasedcommunity involvement in the school system.Existing Educational ResourcesNew Bedford and the surrounding region have a variety of educational resources that provide many educationalopportunities for all segments of the population. These resources consist of the following schools andprograms. Figure 10.1, provided at the end of this chapter, shows the location of the existing educationalresources.2 New Bedford Public Schools Strategic Plan 2008-2011, New Bedford School Department, October 2008.(website: http://www.newbedfordschools.org/STRATEGIC_PLAN_2008_2011.pdf)Education10-2