According to the meeting, the district developed its recommendations for the new two-year strategic plan around eight district goals that were originally established in the 2017 plan. Those goals include:
- Goal 1: establishing learning environments that foster engagement by using personalized learning experiences;
- Goal 2: developing systems and resources that ensure equity;
- Goal 3: developing meaningful, effective assessments that inspire and inform students and educators;
- Goal 4: creating and sustaining quality infrastructure to accommodate the needs of digital content and tools for all stakeholders;
- Goal 5: attracting and supporting high-quality staff members and aiding in staff retention;
- Goal 6: addressing challenges in the school finance system;
- Goal 7: developing intentional strategic partnerships that capitalize on the strengths, resources and talents of all stakeholders to engage the entire community; and
- Goal 8: actively supporting the well-being of all learners.
According to a meeting presentation, the timeline for the plan began in September with a community survey, followed by focus groups. In October, there was a board workshop on the topic, followed by a second workshop in March. In November, a community planning team identified 20 specific milestones that were presented to trustees at the May meeting. The milestones for each goal are listed below.
For Goal 1, the presentation recommended maximizing support systems to further personalize instruction to address learning loss; expanding career and technology programs and dual credit opportunities; and executing a review of current elementary instructional reading and writing resources.
To advance Goal 2, officials recommended developing a replacement cycle for district facilities, equipment and other assets.
To work toward Goal 3, the presentation recommended increasing efficiency at creating curriculums based on data-supported methods and identifying learning opportunities for better instruction.
For the needs of Goal 4, KISD officials suggested providing continuous, secure, sustainable and adaptable technology infrastructure that uses cloud-based technology; defining a standard for stakeholders; establishing training for digital and security best practices; and aligning the availability and capacity of computing resources.
To achieve the needs of Goal 5, officials recommended developing an internal alternative certification program to attract and hone highly qualified teachers; evaluating existing employee communication channels; determining the need to streamline internal communication; and implementing a teacher compensation plan that exceeds the market median.
For Goal 6, KISD officials recommended building awareness in stakeholders around the finance system and the local control limitations.
To advance Goal 7, the presentation recommended evaluating and revising existing community partnerships; advancing staff into advocates for KISD’s community engagement programs; building awareness around the importance of community engagement; and mobilizing district leaders to advocate for KISD priorities.
For the final goal, Goal 8, officials suggested expanding and strengthening systems that support the well-being of the district community as well as connecting resources and educational opportunities regarding the well-being for students, staff and parents.
There were particular concerns regarding Goal 5, which focuses on teacher compensation—which was another agenda item discussed extensively earlier in the evening.
During that discussion, Brian Schuss, KISD’s chief human resources officer, recommended a 3% general pay increase to maintain market position, which is currently 3% behind in compensation compared to neighboring districts. However, that 3% raise would bring the district to the 2021-22 school year market median—not taking into account the increases other districts would be implementing for the 2022-23 school year, leaving the district behind in its compensation again.
“This is a two-year plan,” Trustee Dawn Champagne said. “So in order for us to get to [implementing a teacher compensation plan that exceeds the market median] in two years, we can't still be 3% behind this year. In other words, in two years, then we'll have to give, like, a 6% raise.”
Per the timeline, the May 17 presentation was part of a 2022 preliminary board update. The next steps are for the board to review the action plan, with another update to the board to follow in June.
“In June, we'll come back for an update on those 20 specific results and action plans,” KISD Chief of Communications Andrea Grooms said.
