MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES Vision The vision of the Human Resources Department is to become widely recognized for its friendliness, professionalism, and competence. These attributes will enable the Laredo Team to attract and retain the most talented and caring individuals for the benefit of children. Goal To implement effective human resources practices that will result in high morale, fair employment of personnel and improved employee relations, retention and recruitment. Objectives All (100%) of the employees in the Human Resources Department will receive customer service training and apply learned skills by July of 2003. All (100%) of the comptroller's recommendations, which are designed to improve Human Resources processes and procedures, will be implemented. Implementation of the district's GED to PhD program will result in an increase in the number of employees in pursuit of educational degrees or credentials. Respondents to a survey will indicate a more favorable view of the physical appearance of the Human Resources Department when comparing previous years to the present. There will a 20% increase in the number of teachers and instructional aides receiving support through mentoring and training activities designed to meet the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act. Strategies Objective 1 a. All Human Resources staff will successfully complete the customer service course provided by the Laredo Community College. b. Skills and knowledge learned through customer service training will be applied by all members of the department. c. The Human Resource staff will periodically discuss effective customer service practices to ensure they are demonstrated on a consistent basis. Objective 2 a. The appropriate coordinator will work with the executive director to take the necessary actions to implement each recommendation. b. A Human Resources handbook, which includes operating processes and procedures, will be developed to ensure the staff members are aware of changes made as a result of the comptroller's recommendations and to make relevant policies readily available. c. The administrative staff will meet to review and monitor progress made in relation to these recommendations. Objective 3 a. The Administration will present a resolution in support of the GED to PhD program to the Board of Trustees for approval. (accomplished) b. A survey will be conducted to assess employees' educational needs. c. Funds will be identified to support educational initiatives. d. Provisions will be made for flexible scheduling so that staff members can attend training and classes. Objective 4 a. A facility needs assessment will be completed. (accomplished) b. The executive director will work with appropriate support personnel to make required improvements to the building, including painting, placement of new ceiling tiles, and related items. c. Employees in the Human Resources will be directed to make their work areas clean, neat and attractive. d. Pictures of different categories of employees and children will be placed on walls throughout the department. Objective 5 a. Instructional aides will be provided with opportunities to comply with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. b. New teachers will be supported by a comprehensive mentoring program. c. Teachers will be given opportunities to prepare for and pass state mandated competency tests. d. Programs will be implemented or continued to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and instructional aides, including the payment of stipends for various achievements, recruitment commercials, attendance at job fairs, participation in alternative certification projects, tuition support and various other initiatives.