Owen County Schools has kicked off the new year with a districtwide Professional Learning Day, giving all staff a shared foundation before building-level sessions take over for the rest of the summer's training.
Welcome and Vision
The day opened with Superintendent Dr. Reggie Taylor welcoming staff back and sharing the district's vision and priority areas for the year ahead. Dr. Taylor introduced the district's new three-year strategic plan, built around four strategic priorities:
Student Success Through MTSS — Every Rebel rises above with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
Positive & Connected Culture — Building a culture where everyone (students, staff, families, and community) belongs and thrives.
Engaged & Aligned Instruction — Every classroom offers vibrant, personalized learning that prepares students for life success.
Safe, Systematic, Sustainable Operations — Maintaining clean, safe environments and aligning resources to mission-driven priorities.
From there, the day turned to rolling out several new systems and platforms staff will use daily, along with important updates on classroom practices, special education, and employee benefits.
New Systems, New Tools
HR Coordinator Nikki Heideman and Director of Finance Leah Fields introduced staff to RedRover, the district's new platform for human resources functions, including time tracking, absence management, and personnel forms. The new system is designed to simplify processes that staff rely on throughout the year.
Grant Miller, Director of Student Support Services, led training on Vector/SafeSchools, the platform staff will use for required online trainings at the start of the year.
OCHS Principal Betsy Webster walked staff through Vector/TeachPoint, a new platform that will be used to manage staff evaluations going forward.
Jordan Prather, Director of Technology, introduced Rapid Identity, a new single sign-on tool that will streamline how staff and students log in to the district's learning tools — cutting down on the number of passwords needed to access daily resources.
Supporting Healthy Screen Habits
Brian Gognat, Director of Instructional Support Services, led a session on Chromebook usage in the classroom, sharing district guidance aimed at reducing unnecessary screentime while still using technology purposefully to support instruction.
Special Education Update
Kelly Heichelbech, Director of Special Education, led the district's yearly Special Education update, ensuring all employees stay current on procedures and best practices that support students with special needs across Owen County Schools.
Benefits Fair
Rounding out the day, staff had the opportunity to attend a Benefits Fair, meeting one-on-one with representatives to ask questions about insurance and other benefit offerings, as well as connect with community resource providers available to support district employees.
Looking Ahead
This districtwide day set the stage for the professional learning still to come, as each school building will host its own sessions tailored to the specific needs of its staff and students in the weeks ahead.
With a clear vision, a new strategic plan, and new tools in place, Owen County Schools is entering the year well-prepared and committed to equipping every staff member to help every student succeed and RISE ABOVE!