State board approves updated five-year strategic plan focused on student readiness and safety

The State Board of Education on March 19 approved an updated five-year strategic plan that sets six statewide goals, adds a new emphasis on safe and supportive school environments, and commits the agency to a scorecard-based annual update.

Superintendent Dr. Evans presented the revised strategic plan, saying it consolidates previous objectives into measurable actions and measures. He said the plan's vision is "Every student is prepared for success," and highlighted new core values including integrity, accountability, excellence, innovation, work ethic and communication.

The plan retains longstanding priorities (early childhood access, literacy and math skills, graduation readiness, staffing) and adds goal six to focus intentionally on school climate and attendance, including chronic absenteeism strategies and integration of career learning from pre-K through grade 12. Dr. Evans said the plan will be announced statewide via news release if the board approves and that a scorecard will track outcomes.

Board members thanked staff and outside stakeholders for engagement in producing the plan. The board approved the plan on a voice vote and directed staff to publish the plan, distribute it to districts and develop the public-facing scorecard.