Introductory Statement from the Superintendent of Schools

January 2008

The Nashua School District has implemented a performance-based budgeting format and process. Performance-based budgeting offers an efficient way for the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools to allocate resources with a cost benefit system. This process links district goals, instructional activities, testing, and student achievement with resources.  It allows for clarity of communication about the district goals and resource commitments.

Improving student achievement through community engagement is the key work of the school district. The Nashua Board of Education has established school district goals and objectives that provide a framework from which to place greater emphasis on identified action areas for the Board, the District, and the Superintendent of Schools. The goals serve as a way to communicate to the public some of the major points of emphasis in the school district. The goal setting process fulfills the Board's primary responsibility of establishing the purposes, programs, and procedures that will produce the best educational achievement needed by district students.

The Nashua Board of Education has identified five key focal areas to guide their efforts to improve student achievement in the district. The focal areas are student achievement, accountability, alignment, assessment and evaluation, and climate. The school district administration is responsible for developing strategies and measures of success for achieving educational excellence aligned to the district's goals.

The Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, and school district staff will be active in monitoring implementation and evaluation of District goals and objectives on a regular basis. To measure the effectiveness of our programs the district will be establishing benchmarks as a critical part of its strategic planning, which we hope will form the foundation for our success. Benchmarks will ensure that district goals are met and evaluated. Only through such an on-going review of accomplishments and challenges will the District be able to assure the highest quality of services for the children and community the District serves.

Christopher Hottel
Superintendent of Schools