Litchfield CUSD 12 board adopts five‑year strategic plan after student presentations

The Litchfield Community Unit School District 12 Board of Education adopted a five‑year strategic plan following a consultant‑led presentation and remarks from three student participants.

Consultants described a process that began in November and included seven board SWOT interviews, student, staff and family surveys and six stakeholder meetings from January through April. Consultant Jason said the process was “organic,” with iterative drafts refined by committee input. The plan includes a tagline—“honoring our roots, building our future”—a written mission and vision and a “portrait of a graduate” defining six graduate qualities.

Student Faith told the board, “One of my favorite parts about doing this process was getting to meet new people and talk to all the individuals that came to all the meetings.” Another student said they felt included even when they could not attend every meeting and that adults listened to the student perspective.

The board heard the consultants read the mission: “Litchfield School District is committed to serving our students, staff, and community through meaningful education, shared pride, and daily inspiration. We empower every learner to become a successful, independent, and contributing member of society.” The vision reads that the district “strives to be a place where every student is acknowledged, inspired, and challenged,” and the presenters listed values (integrity; opportunity; respect; innovation; community and service; excellence) with definitions for each.

Consultants outlined the plan’s five goal areas that will guide action‑planning over the next five years: climate and culture (safety, belonging, attendance and extracurricular participation); facilities and learning environment (a comprehensive five‑year facility plan, improvements to spectator accommodations and adaptable instructional spaces); family and community connection (improved, consistent communications and expanded counseling and post‑secondary supports); governance, finance and operations (transparency, long‑term fund balance management and staff recruitment/retention); and teaching and learning (research‑based instruction, professional development, expanded CTE/dual‑credit opportunities and social‑emotional learning supports).

Superintendent Dr. Kelly Mlan thanked stakeholders and students and emphasized the plan is a framework rather than a finished set of actions. Dr. Mlan said administration will work with the consultants to translate the goals into specific action steps and timelines and return with annual updates on progress.

A board member moved and a second was recorded; a roll‑call vote was requested and taken. The motion to approve the strategic plan was recorded and the board proceeded to other agenda items.

Next steps: administration and the consultant team will begin building the action steps that translate the plan’s goals into measurable activities and will report progress to the board in future meetings.