The Forum is built around a two-part strategy. The first
strategy focuses on semiannual, four-day retreats devoted
to a single topic. These are plenary meetings involving
all Forum members. The second strategy involves special
initiatives focused on critical topics Forum members have
identified. Members select eight to ten "lead superintendents"
to develop grassroots responses to problems in their school
districts.
To date, the Forum has mounted five initiatives. After
the entire Forum membership approved the broad outline
of an initiative, an Advisory Subcommittee of Forum members
designed the effort and invited interested participants
to apply for Foundation support.
Each lead initiative superintendent selected is eligible
to receive small grants for planning, technical assistance,
development of action plans, and travel to meetings associated
with the initiative. At full Forum meetings, lead superintendents
routinely discuss their progress and provide written reports,
enabling all Forum members to share the lead superintendents'
experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the issues.
