Board hears two strategic‑planning proposals, delays vendor selection

The Mora Public School District board heard presentations from two strategic‑planning providers and opted not to select a vendor at the meeting.

Paul Neubauer of TeamWorks outlined an approach that begins with "desired daily experiences," an environmental scan and a story wall, then builds vision cards, a three‑year operational plan and governance recommendations. Neubauer described stakeholder engagement steps — internal and external surveys, student and community listening sessions — and emphasized board self‑evaluation and operational alignment so districts could update their plans annually without redoing the full process.

Neil Yeoman, director of strategic planning and board leadership with the Minnesota School Boards Association, described MSBA’s similar process focused on stakeholder surveys, listening sessions and a strategic planning committee with students, staff, board members, administrators and community members. Yeoman said MSBA typically completes the face‑to‑face portion in 8–14 weeks but can customize timing to district needs.

Board members discussed whether to begin strategic planning now or wait because this is an election year and membership could change. Some members said starting now would allow completion before potential turnover; others preferred waiting until after the school year or until more board members are in place. The board did not vote on vendor selection and asked administration to leave the item on a future agenda.