LEWISTON – More than 50 community representatives met to talk about the future of the Gov. James B. Longley Elementary School recently. They agreed that they want to see the school and community organizations work more closely together.

They envision the school as the hub of health, family and education services for students. Participants in the two-day Future Search developed a list of overall themes that will be used to create a strategic plan for the school.

A former student, teachers, policy makers, parents, business and community leaders and others participated in the one and a half day event. Small groups reviewed the history of the school and identified past trends and current forces that are influencing how the school functions.

Participants generated a list of “prouds” and “sorries.” Small groups also identified values and beliefs to guide their discussions. By the end of the day, participants had created a set of common overall themes that they hope will shape the future of the school.

School planning team members will use the Future Search information to guide the development of a strategic plan for the school. To learn more about the event and/or the Longley planning, contact Thomas Hood, principal, Longley School, 145 Birch St.; call 795-4120; or e-mail thood@lewnet.avcnet.org.