BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Addressing teachers prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, new Boardman Supt. Chris Neifer spoke about four, key items---SWOT Analysis, Support and Perspective, a new strategic plan and establishment of a new building plan.
      “The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is something I was promised during my interview process,” Neifer said, noting such an analysis will “help me to develop a strong focus as we build a strategic plan to help move the district forward.”
      According to the superintendent, providing support and perspective refers to his role in the district as the new leader of ‘Spartan nation.’
      “As I experience Boardman Local Schools from the inside, I get the chance to provide continued support for the many excellent things that are already in place here.
      “My 28 years of educational experience also allows me to provide a different perspective in regards to educational initiatives as we look to provide the best possible educational environments and opportunities for our students,” Neifer said adding the time is here to update the district’s strategic plan.
      “The tentative goal will be to embark on the strategic planning process starting in January. This is the normal progression of things in most [school] districts---to update your strategic plan every three-to-five years,” the superintendent said.
      Neifer said the “process of exploring the feasibility building a new school(s) started before my time here. I will look to get up to speed on where the committee is in this process and then look to continue trying to establish a plan to move forward with the most efficient and financially responsible plan for the future.”
      Boardman Local Schools opened the 2024-25 school year with an enrollment of 3700 students, including 111 who attend the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.
      The enrollment figures include 1083 students in high school, 562 attending Glenwood Jr. High School, 825 students at Center Intermediate, 418 students at West Blvd. Elementary School, 368 students at Stadium Dr. Elementary School and 332 students at Robinwood Lane Elementary School.