Strategic Plan - Mclean County Unit District No. 5

Students sit in a classroom, watching a teacher. Text reads %22Unit 5 Strategic Plan.%22

Mission Statement

"Educating each student to achieve personal excellence."

Vision Statement

To inspire curiosity, empower and grow
individuals, elevate community, and prepare for the future.

Commitments

INTEGRITY

Integrity

We believe in challenging what we do and how we do it. Therefore, we build trust and earn respect through honesty, fair process, and transparency in our decision-making.

Belonging

Belonging

We believe in fostering a safe, courageous, and inclusive environment for all. Therefore, we develop relationships that are accepting, validating, and appreciative of differences.

Engagement

Engagement

We believe in igniting inspiration and supporting innovation. Therefore, we optimize learning experiences that foster curiosity and develop a passion for learning among all students and staff.

Teamwork

Teamwork

We believe in making a collective and collaborative impact. Therefore, we are intentional about being open to all ideas and solutions toward accomplishing our goals.

Excellence

Excellence

We believe in high expectations with high support. Therefore, we elevate our community by embracing change through continuous improvement, individually and collectively.

Focus Areas

Inspiring a Culture of Learning

Inspire a Culture of Learning

Foster a learning environment where curiosity, exploration, and continuous growth are encouraged and celebrated while emphasizing the importance of acquiring new knowledge, developing skills, and embracing challenges.

Goals:

Provide all students with rigorous, standards-based, culturally responsive, and inclusive instruction to meet their academic and social-emotional needs.

Strategies	Evidence of Excellence
Expand the implementation of evidence-based and inclusive curriculum in all content areas Embed inclusive and culturally responsive practices across grade levels and content areas Ensure that all students have access to rigorous content Encourage students with particular aptitude or interest to explore opportunities outside of the standard curriculum (speakers, clubs, activities, etc.) Coordinate comprehensive programs and interventions to meet the academic, emotional, mental, and physical needs of students	Increased performance in student outcomes as measured by district and/or state assessments Reduced disparities in student outcomes as measured by district and/or state assessments Increased participation in advanced credit and college prep coursework for all student groups Additional pathway programs that align with the College and Career Pathway Endorsement framework Expanded evidence-based, equity-focused grading practices to increase academic outcomes and opportunities for students Increased participation in academic clubs, increased attendance for speical speakers/programs Increased usage of comprehensive programs and interventions

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Expand the implementation of evidence-based and inclusive curriculum in all content areas
Embed inclusive and culturally responsive practices across grade levels and content areas
Ensure that all students have access to rigorous content
Encourage students with particular aptitude or interest to explore opportunities outside of the standard curriculum (speakers, clubs, activities, etc.)
Coordinate comprehensive programs and interventions to meet the academic, emotional, mental, and physical needs of students

Increased performance in student outcomes as measured by district and/or state assessments
Reduced disparities in student outcomes as measured by district and/or state assessments
Increased participation in advanced credit and college prep coursework for all student groups
Additional pathway programs that align with the College and Career Pathway Endorsement framework
Expanded evidence-based, equity-focused grading practices to increase academic outcomes and opportunities for students
Increased participation in academic clubs, increased attendance for speical speakers/programs
Increased usage of comprehensive programs and interventions

Provide all students with engaging experiences in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment.

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Implement best practices relating to mental health awareness and overall student and staff safety.
Engage students in the development of a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Create asset-based and culturally responsive classrooms and curricula that value and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our students.
Support and build the capacity of all staff to implement affirming, welcoming, and trauma-informed practices.

All students and employees will participate in annual training on the standard-response protocol.
Students report a supportive learning environment on the 5 Essentials that increases while exceeding the state average.
Staff reports an increase in their knowledge and use of culturally-responsive practices.

Implement high-quality, differentiated, and ongoing professional learning and coaching to support effective teaching, learning, and leadership.

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Provide targeted professional development and coaching for newly hired teachers
Provide professional development based on educator needs assessments, student data, districtwide goals, and evidence-based instructional practices on teacher institute days and school improvement days
Develop differentiated professional development to meet the diverse needs and skill levels of educators
Utilize professional learning communities to share best practices and ensure instructional coherence

New teachers report that the targeted professional development and coaching have been beneficial
Staff report that they grew in knowledge or skills as a result of the professional development provided
Implementation of practices based on survey and observational data
School improvement plans include evidence-based practices to impact student outcomes

Creating Foundations for the Future

Establish strong and sustainable frameworks, systems, and resources that serve as the building blocks for long-term success, growth, and progress. Laying the groundwork in the areas of staffing, fiscal resources, and operations while making thoughtful and forward-thinking decisions to anticipate and address the evolving needs and challenges of the future.

Goals:

Professional Excellence — Recruit, develop, and retain highly effective staff who are committed to serving all students and improving student outcomes.

Strategies	Evidence of Excellence
Target advertising to promote openings and attract potential candidates Expand pathways and initiatives for staff to become licensed, endorsed, or certified in specialized classifications and areas of need Develop a plan to maximize retention of highly qualified staff Develop opportunities to grow future leaders and administrators Develop programs to elevate, celebrate, and recognize employee accomplishments and contributions Provide professional development opportunities for staff that build their capacity and provide support	Increase the number of potential candidates for open positions Increase the employees who mirror the demographic composition of our student body Exceed the state retention average and increase retention rates by employee groups Increase in the opportunities provided or supported by Unit 5 to become licensed, endorsed, or certified Increase the number of staff recognized for their contributions The majority of staff strongly report that the professional development offered help them grow professionally

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Target advertising to promote openings and attract potential candidates
Expand pathways and initiatives for staff to become licensed, endorsed, or certified in specialized classifications and areas of need
Develop a plan to maximize retention of highly qualified staff
Develop opportunities to grow future leaders and administrators
Develop programs to elevate, celebrate, and recognize employee accomplishments and contributions
Provide professional development opportunities for staff that build their capacity and provide support

Increase the number of potential candidates for open positions
Increase the employees who mirror the demographic composition of our student body
Exceed the state retention average and increase retention rates by employee groups
Increase in the opportunities provided or supported by Unit 5 to become licensed, endorsed, or certified
Increase the number of staff recognized for their contributions
The majority of staff strongly report that the professional development offered help them grow professionally

Secure financial stability to uphold sustainable programming initiatives and optimize resource allocation for enhanced effectiveness.

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Align budget allocations with strategic goals and district priorities, focusing resources on programs with the highest impact on student outcomes
Plan and contribute to financial reserves to mitigate unforeseen challenges and capitalize on strategic opportunities
Generate financial projections that provide long-term stability
Create a communication platform to inform community members about the district's current and future financial state. Highlight new initiatives, revenue sources, and education programs, and discuss financial challenges.
Utilize software and equipment to improve the quality and efficiency of all district facilities

Improved educational outcomes, increased program effectiveness, and a correlation between resource allocation and student success
Monitor and increase fund reserves annually to meet fund reserve goals
Consistently accurate forecasts that align with financial projections and outcomes
Increased online presence with relevant financial information to inform all stakeholders
Demonstrate a positive correlation between the use of technology and a reduction of energy consumption

Plan for, develop, and maintain district facilities and resources that meet the evolving needs of our students, staff, and community.

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Conduct an annual safety audit to identify areas of improvement at each Unit 5 facility
Conduct an assessment to determine short and long-term goals for maintaining current facilities
Evaluate facility usage and capacity at current buildings
Seek opportunities and resources to enhance facilities and create state-of-the-art learning environments to meet the needs of students and the community
Evaluate additional revenue sources to properly fund the Operations Budget
Develop and provide job-specific professional development for Operations employees

Develop and implement a risk management plan to achieve objectives within specified timeframes
Develop and execute a facility maintenance plan that achieves objectives within specified timeframes
Develop and implement an operations plan to address the changing needs of our students and community
Present alternative funding sources to the Board of Education, as needed
Staff strongly report that the professional development offered helps them grow professionally

Building and Strengthening Our Community

Building and Strengthening our Community

Cultivate a relationship of trust to enhance learning, well-being, and overall school success by leveraging the collective strengths of the community.

Goals:

Provide opportunities throughout the year to directly engage schools and community stakeholders with the school system.

Strategies	Evidence of Excellence
Expand opportunities for students, staff, families, and community members to provide input on specific topics Share building and district priorities with all stakeholders Enhance two-way communication through consistent, timely, and accurate information using web, social, voice, broadcast, and written media	Increase the opportunities for students, staff, families, and community members to provide input Measure the number, manner, and frequency which buildings and district priorities are shared with stakeholders Optimize the most efficient communication channels by analyzing the engagement metrics of various types of media

Strengthen stakeholder relationships with our schools to improve student success.

Strategies	Evidence of Excellence
Support all school sites in developing a cohort of school volunteers and family leaders Develop resources and activities that engage families, community, and staff Build staff capacity on strengthening relationships with students and families	Increase the number of approved volunteers supporting our schools Students and families report stronger connections to their schools Optimize the type and frequency of community-engagement events based on attendance and feedback Staff surveys reveal increased capacity and knowledge about building relationships with students and families

Establish and strengthen community partnerships with non-profit groups, service clubs, businesses, and other organizations to mobilize resources and enhance student opportunities.

Strategies

Evidence of Excellence

Collaborate with businesses, local colleges, and the community to increase workplace skills, internships, dual credit, and partnerships for the school system
Create a resource bank of community and cultural contributors willing to collaborate with schools to enhance student opportunities and outcomes
Collaborate with local agencies to address potential barriers to education, such as healthcare access, housing, and food security
Partner with local government, business, and organizations to build McLean County's reputation as an employment, lifestyle, and education destination

Increase the number of internships, students enrolled in dual credit, completion of pathway endorsements, and earning of industry credentials
Measure the number of students and staff participating in events or programs organized by a community/cultural contributor
Monitor the number of students and families served by community partners in the schools
Increase the participation and representation of Unit 5 students, staff, families, and Board members across the diverse range of community-wide committees and organizations

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In This Section

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

Commitments

Integrity

Belonging

Engagement

Teamwork

Excellence

Focus Areas

Inspiring a Culture of Learning

Inspire a Culture of Learning

Goals:

Creating Foundations for the Future

Creating Foundations for the Future

Goals:

Building and Strengthening Our Community

Building and Strengthening our Community

Goals:

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