ASD Launches Strategic Planning Process
Posted on 11/22/2023
ALLENTOWN, PA — On Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Allentown School District is holding a Strategic Planning Kick-Off at Lehigh Valley Health Network–Mack Boulevard, 2100 Mack Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103 to introduce the diverse stakeholders leading the creation of the school District’s comprehensive strategic plan.
The Strategic Planning Process is a complex and comprehensive practice where multiple community and school representatives analyze data sources to identify priorities, set goals, establish strategies, and align resources to improve student performance and outcomes.
The Strategic Plan Kick-Off Event gives the District the opportunity to share the purpose and process the leadership and Steering Committee will undergo over the next few months. Throughout the Strategic Plan Process, Allentown will also conduct an Equity Audit to ensure that the District’s priorities are rooted in equity and access for all students.
The goal is to develop a Strategic Plan with the involvement of school leadership, principals, teachers, families, students, community partners, and business professionals for approval by the Allentown School District Board of School Directors in May 23, 2024.
The completed Strategic Plan will reflect, review, and affirm the mission and vision for the Allentown School District by enlisting input from stakeholders who will engage in collaborative decision-making to define a Portrait of a Graduate and outline the actions our District should take to improve the educational experience for the Allentown School District Learning Community.
“The Strategic Planning process is the beginning of an exciting new chapter where we will honor our past, foster relationships, and take stock of our successes to capitalize on the opportunities to reimagine our beloved Allentown School District to support all of our learners,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, ASD Superintendent.
The Steering Committee will review and analyze key data to determine how and where to focus District resources, including time, budget, and professional learning, to best meet the outlined priorities and strategies.
There will also be a number of opportunities for community engagement through surveys and a variety of community and district Focus Groups. During the Strategic Planning Process, the Steering Committee will incorporate feedback from Advisory Committees that review the priorities and drafts of the Strategic Plan.
Insight Education Group, which has consulted with the School District of Philadelphia, Syracuse City School District, and Charlottesville City Public Schools, will provide strategic guidance and expertise during the Strategic Planning Process.
Future Allentown School District Strategic Plan Steering Committee Meetings will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023; Tuesday, January 9, 2024; Tuesday, February 13, 2024; Tuesday, March 12, 2024; Tuesday, April 9, 2024; and Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
After each Steering Committee Meeting, the District will update the community on the plan development progress through its website, email and newsletter updates, and social media.
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