Strategic Planning Priorities for Schools

Strategic Planning has been the most commonly expressed need of schools and international organizations contacting me for consulting and training services since we emerged from the Covid pandemic. Some seek orientation and training; others seek a strategic planning framework; others share these needs but also seek coaching and support throughout the planning and implementation process.

There are schools and organizations around the globe whose entire reality has changed due to the pandemic, economic changes, military conflicts, or sociopolitical shifts, resulting in unprecedented external risks or internal weaknesses. Others perceive the opportunity to capitalize on and leverage current realities to be positioned to thrive. Regardless of the reality, embarking on strategic planning is essential for sustained organizational well-being, vitality, and sustainability. 

Five fundamental operational facet of schools and educational organizations commonly become the focus of questions raised in the strategic planning process:

1. Mission: Is our mission relevant in the contemporary world and the region we serve? Must we consider a mission change or remain committed and focused on our historical purpose?
2. Program: How must we calibrate or even re-imagine or program to meet the needs of our students preparing for success in this era?
3. Staffing: How do we attract, support, and retain staff aligned with our mission, values, and contextual realities?
4. Students: What is the profile of mission-appropriate students, and how do we attract, effectively serve, and retain these students?
5. Funding: What is the economic paradigm required to remain viable and thrive?

While the categories and the questions are relatively constant across varied contexts, the answers and the resulting strategic plans are profoundly distinct!

Blessings,
David Wells