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Napoleon Area City Schools

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Strategic Plan

The Purpose of a District Strategic Plan

A District Strategic Plan is a school district’s master roadmap. It is a community-supported guide that outlines the priorities of the district, where it wants to be in five years, and actionable steps to get there. A Strategic Plan can:

  • Provide direction and focus on district goals
  • Ensure the school and community are united in common goals
  • Effectively use available resources
  • Promote accountability and transparency with regular updates

 

Overview of the Process

The district held three work sessions (one was cancelled) to gather stakeholders input and develop goals and actionable steps that centered around these four focus areas:

  • Learning
  • Engagement
  • Finances & Facilities
  • Opportunities & Well-Being

 

Over 50 stakeholders, comprised of parents, community partners, business leaders, teachers, Booster members, students, and district administration, participated in the work sessions. Stakeholders honestly and openly discussed the strengths and challenges facing our district, identifying critical areas of need. Resources such as previous district surveys, student career surveys, District Report Card, and State of the District presentation were used to create goal area objectives and action steps.

 

Ensuring Success

The objectives and action steps are the basis of the district’s decision-making efforts. A year-end summary will highlight the plan’s outcomes, letting the Board and stakeholders see the process in the focus ares. The Strategic Plan, its focus areas, objectives, and action steps with the outcomes/metrics will be shared with the community on the district’s webpage.

 

Goal 1 Learning: 

Provide a well-rounded curriculum that balances traditional standards with practical, real-world application to ensure the success of all learners.
 

  • 1.1 Develop an integrated K-12 STEM progression that connects classroom skills to real-world applications, from early coding and engineering to specialized career skills.

    1.2 Support staff in obtaining college-level teaching credentials to expand in-house CCP opportunities and college-credit access for our students.

    1.3 Collaborate with community partners to develop modern apprenticeships and internship frameworks to provide students with on-the-job experience.

    1.4 Allocate dedicated capital improvement funds to develop lab spaces, workshops, and environments to support vocational career education pathways.

    1.5 Develop a K-12 Career Exploration progression that introduces students to diverse job paths, interactive career fairs, and provides direct access to college and job fairs, business panels, and industry networking events.

  • 2.1 Continue development of the integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (iMTSS) framework to ensure all students are connected to data-driven, responsive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions while receiving Tier 1 instruction. 

    2.2 Expand professional development  to focus on high-yield differentiation strategies and specialized programming to stretch and challenge gifted and accelerated learners.

    2.3 Implement and review high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials across all content areas to guarantee equitable access to rigorous core instruction.

    2.4 Cultivate classroom environments that utilize instructional strategies tailored to the diverse needs of all learners, including students receiving Special Education, English Language Learners, and continuous enrichment for gifted students.

    2.5 Transition toward an integrated co-teaching model, ensuring exceptional and diverse learners remain anchored in rigorous, standards-aligned Tier 1 core instruction alongside their peers.

  • 3.1 Develop and utilize high quality, standard-aligned assessments for data-driven decision making across all grade levels and content areas. 

    3.2 Provide professional development and structured, collaborative opportunities for grade level and/or content teams to analyze student data and adjust instruction.

    3.3 Create opportunities that allow learners to track their own mastery of standards, fostering self-reflection and ownership of their academic growth.
     

Goal 2 Engagement:

Cultivate school-community connection by creating transparent, multi-directional communication and collaborative engagement.  

  • 1.1 Establish a unified district and building-level communication framework that streamlines user access to student-parent portals, digital applications, and district information.

    1.2 Develop routine, accessible, and inclusive feedback loops - including community and family surveys- to gather stakeholder input and inform district decision-making.

    1.3 Revamp the district’s social media presence to celebrate student achievements, share real-time updates, and utilize visual storytelling to keep families connected to daily classroom life.

    1.4 Launch student-led media programs that empower students to report on school news and share their experiences directly with the community. 

    1.5 Execute a community marketing campaign that features student success stories, specialized programs, and unique learning environments to position our schools as the premier educational choice in the region.
     

  • 2.1 Partner with local workforce developers, industry leaders, and municipal agencies to secure business partnerships for guest speaking, job shadowing, and student mentorship opportunities.

    2.2 Deepen collaboration with the Alumni Association to actively engage graduates in school traditions, career days, and fundraising efforts that support current students.

  • 3.1 Host regular, accessible workshops PK-12 -offered both in-person and digitally- focused on practical ways family can support and extend learning at home

    3.2 Establish a student-led "Welcome Team" at each building to greet new families, facilitate school tours, and ensure incoming students experience a smooth and supportive transition into the school community.

    3.3 Form building-level Family Advisory Committees that meet annually to gather input on school partnerships, assess the effectiveness of family resources, and ensure diverse stakeholder voices are heard.

    3.4 Conduct exit interviews and family feedback surveys with households choosing homeschooling or open enrollment to identify gaps in our programming, scheduling, or school culture.

Goal 3 Finances & Facilities:

Ensure long-term district stability through transparent financial management and sustainable facility planning that directly supports student safety, academic growth, and program expansion.
 

 

  • 1.1 Create an ongoing community education campaign to explain how local property taxes, state funding formulas, and property tax reforms directly impact our operating budget, breaking down complex budgets into clear, visual charts that show exactly where tax dollars are being spent.
     

  • 2.1 Align current and new instructional expenditures directly to the district’s financial forecast, ensuring staffing and resources adapt to student enrollment numbers.

    2.2 Develop a sustainable, multi-year fiscal plan to support new program implementation, accounting for staffing, specialized lab spaces, and instructional resources.  

    2.3 Develop a long-term capital improvement plan focused on building, expanding, or renovating facilities for high-demand programs, including a vocational workshop, a multi-use gym facility, and theater/performing arts space.

  • 3.1 Continue implementation of the comprehensive maintenance plan, including all district buildings, athletic facilities, and grounds maintenance, ensuring facilities last longer and operate more efficiently.

    3.2 Review and share detailed updates regarding ongoing facility needs, long-term maintenance plans, energy saving opportunities, and permanent improvement projects so the community can see how their investments are being utilized.

    3.3 Enhance district and school safety protocols, including collaboration with local law enforcement and community stakeholders, to maintain secure learning and working environments.
     

Goal 4 Opportunities & Well-Being:

Grow an engaging and supportive school culture that prioritizes student well-being, supports community connections, and promotes modern spaces and activities for students to grow at every age.
 

  • 1.1 Integrate interest-based clubs and activities at the K-6 level to cultivate a sense of belonging and school pride at an early age.

    1.2 Expand K-8 Career Exploration activities to provide early, hands-on exposure to the district's high school academic pathways, fine arts program, and athletic opportunities.

  • 2.1 Coordinate annual, building and/or district-wide activities that bring multiple grade levels and buildings together to foster a shared identity.

    2.2: Establish intentional, cross-building professional opportunities for staff to collaborate, share best practices, and build strong interpersonal relationships across the district.
     

  • 3.1 Implement structured peer-to-peer support groups to ensure authentic connections and belonging within the school community.

    3.2  Integrate age-appropriate, tiered mental health and wellness supports for students from elementary through high school.

    3.3 Research partnerships with local mental health agencies to increase the presence of licensed counselors in our buildings, ensuring timely crisis intervention and ongoing therapy options.

    3.4 Establish a structured cross-grade mentoring and tutoring network where high school and middle school students earn leadership service hours by academic tutoring or mentoring elementary peers.