Strategic planning is essential in education because of the numerous stakeholders—students, families, community members, and staff—who are invested in educational outcomes. WSSDA offers a workshop that provides an overview of the school board’s role and two different tiers of service to support school districts with developing a strategic plan.

Unique Service Features

Being a school board association, our approach uniquely focuses on:

  1. The school board’s role in the process
  2. The evidence-based practices identified in the Washington School Board Standards

The school board standards are the culmination of years of ongoing research and identify governance practices that lead to positive outcomes for school districts. The standards also serve as the foundation of other WSSDA services, like superintendent evaluation, and many of our trainings.

Another feature of our service is the reduced cost when compared to private consultants. Cost is never insignificant, but you won’t be asked to sign any six-figure contract with us!

It Starts with a Workshop

In-person or virtually, a WSSDA consultant will help you explore the various components of strategic planning and the role of the board. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the entire process, enabling your board to make informed decisions about how to move forward—whether or not you partner with WSSDA.

Two Tiers of Service

Like the workshop, these tiers can be customized to fit your board’s needs.

Refresh

This option is for districts that have gone through a full strategic planning process in the last few years and so need a refresh or update to the plan already in place.

Comprehensive

This option is for districts that are new to strategic planning, need to build a brand new plan from the ground up, or would like consultant support throughout the entire process.

WSSDA’s Approach to Strategic Planning

Integrating the Washington School Board Standards and drawing on additional research, WSSDA’s approach consists of four phases:

  1. Planning and data analysis
  2. Community engagement
  3. Plan development
  4. Monitoring progress

Our two tiers of service will incorporate these phases according to your unique needs. Note that data analysis and additional community listening sessions can be added at each tier level.

Questions?

Heather Curl
Director of Leadership Development
360-890-5781

Rassamy Smith
Learning and Development Specialist
360-252-3003