Strategic Plan

Ensure teaching and learning programs are delivered with a focus on continuous improvement of student achievement through learner engagement, collaboration, rigorous and relevant content, and personalized learning preparing students for life beyond high school.

• Align and implement rigorous, content-rich curriculum grounded in best practice and research
• Hire, retain, and invest in quality teachers and support staff
• Implement evidence-based strategies for reading and math, and provide professional learning opportunities for staff
• Apply embedded differentiation and personalized learning options
• Develop and deliver a systematic MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) system throughout the district
• Implement individualized Plans of Study for each student
• Provide expanded PreK, early childhood, and primary learning opportunities

Cultivate, strengthen, and maintain a positive culture throughout the district that establishes student belonging, pride, accountability, collective efficacy, and high morale among students, staff, and the community that supports students' physical and mental well-being.

• Embed social-emotional curriculum throughout the district
• Provide access to ongoing school counseling services in each building that focuses on mental and physical well-being
• Expand opportunities for students to demonstrate and apply positive character traits and civic involvement in the school and community
• Expand mental health partnerships for students and staff
• Assure fitness, health, wellness, and quality of life engagement

Foster a work environment that encourages leadership, innovation, excellence, and high morale in faculty and staff, responds to changing needs, embraces diversity, values communication and collaboration, and is unwavering in the best interest of students.

• Create opportunities for staff to grow and advance professionally
• Participate annually in the Kansas Teacher of the Year process to champion exemplary educators from USD 470
• Improve and expand our mentoring program for first and second-year teachers and administrators through a partnership with education service centers and the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE)
• Develop a system that grows our own teachers through an alternative licensure 
• Provide access to high quality professional development experiences
• Assure opportunities for health, wellness, fitness, and collaborative exchange

Plan for and provide safe, modern facilities, services, and operational supports that will meet the ever-increasing needs of students in a healthy, attractive environment.

• Establish and maintain a Capital Outlay Improvement Plan
• Assure a safe, secure learning environment
• Maximize energy efficiency and HVAC/environmental health functions
• Establish ongoing facility assessments and plan for future needs
• Maintain buildings and grounds to high standards
• Maintain and IT infrastructure within which an equitable distribution of resources provides support to every educational program learning environment
• Ensure outdoor recreation and learning spaces that are accessible, meet district needs, and are appealing to the community

• Improve and increase two-way communication and collaboration between stakeholders
• Develop new and strengthen existing relationships with community partners that can enhance the learning experience for students
• Seek and attain new learning partnerships to broaden career and employment opportunities, enable maximum learning benefits and attainment, and serve as a foundation for post-secondary education and lifelong learning benefits
• Commit appropriate funding resources to support these objectives and assure that every USD 470 student has equitable access to quality learning experiences
• Facilitate Board involvement through ongoing learning, exchange, and collaboration with Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), National School Boards Association (NSBA), and other educational entities