Visioning process for state education advances

A common statewide vision for education is the focus of a bill advanced from general file March 11.

LB1103, introduced by the Education Committee, would authorize members of the committee to conduct a strategic planning process to create the statewide plan. Committee chairperson Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids said there are many school districts that already are engaged in a strategic planning process.

“While we are going to lead the process, it will not be just [the Education Committee],” she said. “We want to develop a framework and structure that engages a lot of different groups in conversations about education. We have to do better.”

Members of the committee could conduct meetings, working sessions and focus groups to discuss aspirational goals, visionary objectives, meaningful priorities and practical strategies. The committee also would be required to hold at least three public hearings throughout the state to receive testimony from the general public.

The committee would be required to submit a report to the clerk of the Legislature by Dec. 31, 2014.

Senators advanced the bill on a 33-0 vote.