Director's Message 10/22/02

      Over the previous weeks I have been discussing with you some of the goals of the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan (CSP). This week I want to emphasize the importance of Goal 2, Performance-Driven, Efficient Management Systems, to our overall mission. This goal states that “DoDEA will use a performance driven management system that operates in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner; places resource allocation and decision-making at the lowest operational level; and facilitates a safe environment conducive to optimum student achievement.”

     In order to attain our primary goal--Goal 1, Highest Student Achievement--all levels of leadership must act judiciously when it comes to managing our manpower and materiel resources. I believe it is Goal 2 that provides the framework for accomplishing Goals 1, 3, and 4.

     Goal 2 is concerned with prudent resource management at all levels of the organization. In my office, this means we look for the most effective way to do business in all of our activities. For example, last year I directed a thorough review of how we support school level operations. This had the effect of streamlining the school assistance visits through consolidating the calendar of visits and utilizing district support to accomplish some of the requirements. This initiative resulted in a team approach to school visits by my support branch personnel and reduced the impact on and number of interruptions to the daily school routine.

     Goal 2 is also the backbone for accomplishing Goal 3, Motivated, High Performing, Diverse Workforce. The support of this goal is twofold. It encompasses having the financial resources to offer ongoing professional development opportunities for educators and support personnel, and to provide well-planned recruitment efforts to achieve a highly qualified and diverse teaching staff. With judicious allocation of resources, I believe we will be able to continue to make progress toward achieving this goal.

     We have also addressed efficient management systems through partnership efforts, as stated in Goal 4, Network of Partnerships Promoting Achievement. Our Pacific Transportation Management Office, in collaboration with our military partners, has implemented outstanding enhancements and services to our customers. We have increased the safety and security of our riders with the installation of global positioning systems (GPS) on our buses, implemented incentive programs for riders who behave appropriately, and provided enhancements to pupil transportation offices. These partnership efforts have resulted in a variety of cost avoidance, benefits and savings.

     It has been my priority to allocate significant resources to ensure the success of all of our Community Strategic Plan goals. I deeply appreciate the hard work all of you are doing to ensure we use our resources wisely to support and enhance our educational programs and services for all students.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific