‘Future Search Conference’ Proposed

To the Editor:

On Monday, February 6, I attended the special Board of Education meeting to address the space needs of high school. A few of the resounding themes I heard were the need for long-term planning and to keep in mind other pressing financial needs of the town. Also, many speakers felt it will be important during the process to communicate openly, often, and accurately and to get all stakeholders involved. The stakeholders include but are not limited to the town government, board of education, teachers, administrators, taxpayers, parents, and students.

One option the town should consider is a Future Search Conference (FSC). Many communities in the United States have used a FSC for this very same problem. A FSC is a planning meeting that gets diverse stakeholders together to discuss openly all the facts, to find common ground, and to establish the steps toward the desired future state. The planners and participants of the conference understand the event as a community learning experience. There are no lectures or speeches. Each participant is at an equal level and all information is shared. A FSC typically lasts for three days and has 50 to 60 participants. It is usually facilitated by a third party who does not hold an opinion one way or the other on the issue. The format of the conference results in a high level of buy-in by all parties.

I suggest all Newtowners who have some interest in the outcome of the high school space needs issue search the Internet for “future search conference” to learn about this planning tool. If the idea seems appropriate I would be more than happy to start the process of setting up a Future Search Conference.

Sincerely

Patrick Reilly

8 Possum Ridge Road, Newtown                            February 8, 2006