Developing the New Seattle Public Schools Strategic Plan
Background
In August 2018, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) began the process to create a new strategic plan. The new SPS strategic plan will set the course for the district for the next three to five years. The plan will guide how district funds are spent and which initiatives are undertaken to ensure SPS prepares every student for college, career, and community. It will include a theory of action and a short list of high-impact priorities and measurable goals focused on improving outcomes for students.
As part of this process, Superintendent Juneau embarked on a comprehensive Listen and Learn Tour to gather an understanding of the district's strengths, challenges, and what is most important for her to consider as plans are developed for the district's future. The input she received, combined with feedback from an online ThoughtExchange discussion, helped shape the new draft plan. Read more about the Listening and Learning Tour.
A strategic plan steering committee (see membership below) was formed to guide the development of a draft plan. Seattle Public Schools has also contracted with the District Management Group (DMGroup) to support the development of the district’s strategic plan.
In January 2019, the district is holding a round of additional opportunities for community engagement on the draft plan. We welcome you to attend a meeting or offer your feedback online. Please see the section below on How can I provide input? for more information.
Why now?
Seattle Public Schools’ current strategic plan originally provided guidance from 2013 through 2018. The School Board extended the strategic plan one additional year, through June 2019. Read the 2013-19 Strategic Plan.
Anticipated Planning Timeline
Strategic Planning Preparation
- Select strategic planning consultant: September – October 2018
- Identify steering committee and planning team: September – October 2018
Initial Engagement
- Listen and Learn Tour: August – November 2018
- ThoughtExchange online engagement: October 2018
Development of Strategic Plan
- Steering Committee: October 2018 – February 2019
- Board work session: October 2018
- School Board Retreat: December 2018
- Community engagement on the draft plan: January 2019
- Board work session: January 30, 2019
- Draft plan to School Board for review and vote: March 2019
Strategic Plan Steering Committee Members
Jessica Beaver, Staff, Research and Evaluation
James Bush, Staff, Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
Phyllis Campano, SEA representative
Clover Codd, Staff, Human Resources
Ashley Davies, Staff, Operations Division, Enrollment Planning
David Dockendorf, Principal, PASS representative
Jill Geary, School Board Member
Chandra Hampson, Community Representative
Erin Okuno, Community Partner Representative
Michelle Ota, Staff, Teaching and Learning - ELL
Keisha Scarlett, Staff, Organizational Development and Equity
Manuela Slye, Community Representative
Emijah Smith, Community Representative
Mike Starosky, Staff, Teaching and Learning
Mehret Tekle, Community Representative
Michael Tolley, Staff, Teaching and Learning (first four meetings)
How can I provide input?
Members of the Seattle Public Schools’ community provided initial input during Superintendent Juneau’s Listening and Learning tour and through a ThoughtExchange online survey. We are now embarking on an additional round of opportunities for community engagement on the draft plan. Read more about the January 2019 community meetings.
Seattle Public Schools recognizes that traffic conditions in our city in January 2019 will present additional challenges to attending meetings in person. In response, we are launching a strategic plan engagement effort online. Please provide your feedback using the online form below by Tues., Jan. 22, 2019, 12 p.m.
Your feedback gathered with the online form will be analyzed by DMGroup and Seattle Public Schools along with the information gathered at partner-hosted meetings across the city. Please help us refine the draft strategic plan by reviewing the draft and answering a few critical questions.
You can also send comments to Superintendent Juneau at superintendent@seattleschools.org or the School Board at schoolboard@seattleschools.org.