Chapter 3: The Development of Planning and Control Systems for an Evolving School District

The relationship between Boston University (BU) and the Chelsea Public School District has always been a fiduciary one. Since 1989, the Partnership has produced deep changes in the configuration of the planning and control system of the district, especially with regard to the way in which organizational activities are reported.

The planning and control system of an organization is a multistep process, meant to help the organization achieve long-term development goals through an effective and efficient use of its financial and human resources. Before the process can function, however, the organization must have a clear vision of its developmental strategy for the future. An understanding of the realistic goals to be reached, especially in terms of resources and skills, constitutes the starting point of effective strategic planning. Further-more, those goals need to be negotiated and promoted among all stakeholders related to the organization.