Strategic Plan 2004-2008

Strategic Plan Goal

To accomplish the school's mission and to further develop the school and its programmes to ensure that the academic programme, staff, finances and governance meet the needs of the school's clients and the standards of the school's external accrediting agencies.

Structure

The strategic plan covers a period of five years. It is divided into seven elements. The strategic goal and subsidiary targets for each element are used to define one or more enabling objectives.

Review

Each year, the Board of Trustees will conduct a review of each element and update the plan as necessary.

Strategic Plan, 2004 - 2008

1. Philosophy and Goals

Ownership of the Philosophy and Goals by the entire school community will be ensured by the active promotion and adoption of the values described:
- retain the special character of ISB
- optimise opportunities to foster effective and open communication and community spirit among students, parents and staff

2. Governance and Management

The school's governance, management structure and policies will be consistent with the effective operational needs of the School foundation within the framework provided by legislation and accreditation:
- retain accredited status with CIS and NEASC
- review and update school policies over a five-year cycle
- recruit valued but independent members of the community to the six-member Board of Trustees
- provide an effective management structure

3. Finances

The School's finances will be organized both to support and maintain the quality of the academic programme and to ensure the long term viability of the School, through prudent and effective financial planning:
- generate and secure optimal funding through tuition fees and government grants
- maintain a reserve fund at a level of 30% of annual income
- generate annual surplus of a minimum of 2½% of operational income
- review budget annually with projection into subsequent year

4. The Students

The School will facilitate the emotional, physical and social growth of the students in a culturally diverse environment and prepare students to meet the demands of a changing and challenging world through the provision of a quality academic programme, the promotion of the desire to take responsibility and the development of services and facilities which extend the overall learning experience:
- maintain single stream throughout school, Preschool through Grade 10, to a maximum enrolment of 250 students
- retain critical mass of native English speakers while maintaining cultural diversity among students

5. Academic Programme

The School will continue its commitment to a quality education which provides opportunities for maximum intellectual growth and which progresses in a coherent manner, via regular curriculum review and continued authorisation of the IBMYP programme.

6. Staff

The School will recruit, develop and retain a high quality faculty distinguished by intellect, experience, motivation and enthusiasm, and who promote the values reflected in the School's Philosophy and Goals:
- maintain competitive rates of staff compensation and benefits
- maintain cultural diversity among the staff
- improve provision of professional development opportunities

7. Resources

The facilities and resources provided will be appropriate to the School's programmes and projected enrolment, and meet recognized standards of health, safety and comfort:
- pursue the opportunity to move to alternative premises provided by Bergen Kommune
- improve and enhance the resources available to the entire school community through ongoing reinvestment of the annual 2½% surplus.