The Northshore School Board has approved a strategic plan designed to help set the district’s course for the next three to five years.

The 2017-22 Strategic Plan represents months of community conversations to help define clear strategic goals, determine how to measure them, and identify instructional techniques that will bring them to life in the classroom.

“The board is very grateful to our community for partnering with us in creating this exciting vision for student learning, growth and success,” said School Board President Amy Cast. “We look forward to continuing to work together as we put the plan into action over the next five years.”

In the strategic planning process, which began in fall 2016, every voice was welcomed and integrated. For example, a representative group of students from elementary to high school shared their thoughts on the direction of the district in “Student Voice” sessions.

An alignment team of leaders from local government organizations, universities and community groups also provided feedback. Teachers and staff considered strategies as an instructional focus team. And a series of community forums allowed any parent or resident to contribute to the process.

The Core Planning team was key to this process, comprising district leadership, principals, teachers, parents, students and community members. They met regularly to refine the goals and outcomes, means of measurement, and implementation strategies.

The Strategic Plan, approved at the June 27 School Board meeting, outlines five overall goals. The plan also includes four building blocks that frame the work, measurements for determining success, and instructional strategies.

The goals are: Success in the early years; Responsible, resilient and empathetic learners; Growth for every student, elimination of outcome and opportunity gaps; Innovative, creative and critical thinkers; Ready for lifelong success after graduation.