A dusty staff development plan from 2005 was given 2008 updates this fall by Mary Noel, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, and her team.

The School Board approved the 2008-09 plan Monday.

Noel said the plan covers staff development for all employees. Previously, there was not a staff development committee at the District Services Center (DSC), which has been added.

“At the DSC we have licensed staff,” Noel said. There are 23 licensed staff members at the center.

The plan highlights vision, mission, beliefs and goals for staff development, as well as defining committees, plans and a budget per Minnesota statute.

A total of $820,500 will fund the program. The state requires that 2 percent of the district’s general funding be reserved for staff development.

Goals of staff development include preparing staff to use research-based strategies, developing cultural competence and developing teamwork among employees.