The details
Staff began developing the plan in June 2022 and finalized it in spring 2023, Assistant Superintendent Melissa Heller said. It was implemented in the 2023-24 school year.
Additionally, Heller said this is year two of what is a five-year plan.
The strategic plan includes five pillars:
- Individual growth for students and teachers
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Curriculum and learning
- Community engagement
- Financial stewardship
Zooming in
Heller outlined several highlights for each goal from the 2024-25 school year. For individual growth, the district expanded a pilot program to ensure student growth goals are attainable at all campuses.
For teacher recruitment and retention, Heller said the district held VIP recruitment events where preferred candidates were given tours of the campuses and met with staff to encourage them to choose RISD.
The district also worked with Dallas College, Teach for America and other partners to find quality candidates.
The third goal concerns curriculum and learning, Heller said, adding that learning materials utilized focus on individual growth. In addition, to support adult learning, a professional learning catalog is available to teachers and leaders within the district.
For community engagement, the district has engaged with homeowners associations and sent out parent survey
“Coming out of the pandemic, we have found our community wants to engage and re-enage with RISD,” Heller said.
The final goal, financial stewardship, includes working with lawmakers during the current legislative session to provide additional funding to school districts.
Looking forward
Heller said the district will continue to move forward with the strategic plan including holding quarterly roundtable discussions with RISD stakeholders, enhanced onboarding for new hires, continued parent engagement and ensuring currcirulum is evidenced-based, promotes growth and is viable for all students.
