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Strategic Plan

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Rochester Community Schools Mission

To provide a quality education in a caring atmosphere for students to attain the necessary skills and knowledge to become lifelong learners and contribute to a diverse, interdependent and changing world.

District Equity Statement

Rochester Community Schools is committed to providing an equitable education that prepares all students for an interdependent, evolving world. We believe in a unified culture of belonging for all. We recognize that systemic inequities exist that create educational equity gaps among various identity groups, specifically those who have been marginalized. Through a multifaceted approach of inclusion, we commit to creating opportunities and access, protecting the well-being of all, eliminating barriers, and educating within a safe environment where all individuals are valued, respected, included, welcomed, and acknowledged.

Strategic Planning 2029

Strategic Planning Steps

Strategic planning helps organizations identify priorities, create a unified sense of purpose and drive action. Rochester Community Schools has a rich history of excellence that has been strengthened over time through the strategic planning process.

To ensure RCS continues to provide high-quality education and innovative learning opportunities for all students, the Board of Education selected G&D Associates to serve as the facilitator for the next iteration of the strategic plan. G&D continues to collaborate with all stakeholders to provide a roadmap for ongoing success.

Community engagement provides a voice for all stakeholders. Opportunities are leveraged through a community survey; focus groups; and a community forum.

Data synthesis ensures common outcomes, expectations, and actions during the development of the strategic plan to prioritize the work of the organization.

Vision development paints a picture of what the organization will look like in the near future and serves as an actionable document that articulates direction, mission and guiding principles.

The strategic plan is drawn from the vision and outlines prioritized goals and objectives, while detailing specific actions as to how the district would realize its vision in manageable and measurable ways.

Through a commonly understood path of action, strategic planning can create positive outcomes that ensure equitable practices, innovative work and engaged communities.

 

A History of Strategic Planning Excellence

In the 1980s, then Superintendent Dr. John Schultz launched the first long-range strategic plan, which consisted of a vision, mission, beliefs and several key result areas. District stakeholders were held accountable for objectives, strategies and action plans. The strategic plan evolved into Goals 2000 and Goals 2010, undergoing revision every few years.

In April 2013, Dr. Robert Shaner was appointed superintendent. Dr. Shaner initiated a new strategic planning initiative in October 2013. With thorough research and community input, a plan emerged. Pride in Excellence: Strategic Planning 2020 was adopted to ensure that all RCS students would be focused on the goal of becoming “college ready, career ready, and life ready.”

The strategic planning team produced a framework that said: “Rochester Community Schools will become a world-class educational system by guaranteeing a viable, high-quality curriculum for all students.” This framework had three goal areas: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment; Global Awareness; and Technology and Infrastructure.

In February 2020, Rochester Community Schools began preparing for the next phase of an updated 2025 strategic plan by having a community conversation about our Focus on the Future. Students, staff and community members were invited to think about the future of education beyond traditional teaching and learning opportunities.

The strategic planning process was interrupted in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2023, the Board of Education directed the administration to generate a request for proposals for a partner in strategic plan facilitation. The RFP window was open May 15-June 1 and four vendors were selected for public interviews from 10 respondents.

On June 22, 2023, the RCS Board of Education selected G&D Associates to serve as the RCS strategic planning facilitator. G&D will collaborate with district leadership, staff, students, families and community stakeholders throughout the school year to provide a roadmap for ongoing success as RCS continues to provide high-quality public education and innovative learning opportunities for all students.

“We look forward to initiating a new strategic planning process that will take into consideration a variety of viewpoints through stakeholder feedback,” said Board of Education President Michelle Bueltel. “The strategic plan will be based on a shared vision; lead to measurable goals and objectives; and effectively guide our district's ongoing and future work. This is an exciting time as we re-evaluate and set our sights on a new horizon.”

Legacy Work: Focusing on the Future 2025

RCS students answer the question, "What does the future of education look like?"

Dr. Bill Daggett, International Center for Leadership in Education, inspires community conversations

RCS students join in the conversation during a panel discussion at RHS on Feb. 8, 2020

At Rochester Community Schools, we believe:

  • It is vital to instill a sense of pride and excellence for all.
  • All students can learn at high levels.
  • It is our role to make a profound impact on students’ lives.
  • All decisions and actions should be directly related to our mission.
  • Clear learning objectives, effective instructional  strategies, and quality assessment lead to high student achievement and growth.
  • A positive mindset that embraces diversity creates a strong culture and climate.
  • Accountability, communication, transparency and trust throughout the system are vital components of a healthy organization.
  • Focused professional development and meaningful collaboration for all staff leads to positive student growth.
  • All members of the school community will experience an environment where they are safe, valued, and respected.
  • Family, school, business and community partnerships are integral for student success.
  • Students must be able to flourish in a global environment.
  • All stakeholders are responsible for high achievement  and continuous improvement.
Student holding books

Our children develop a love for literacy and learning!

Strategic Plan 2020