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Mapping Our Future

April 25, 2024

For the purposes of strategic planning, Washington County Public Schools is using six key components to guide our work.  These provide an area of focus to frame the design of the strategic plan. 

  • TEACHING & LEARNING - having a clear vision for what student should know and be able to do

  • VALUES - having a shared belief system that binds the school system together

  • DECISION-MAKING - being transparent in how decisions get made

  • RESOURCE ALLOCATION - allocating time, people, and funds towards the vision and needs

  • TALENT MANAGEMENT - supporting people so they can do their best work

  • CULTURE - ensuring educators, staff, students, and families feel positive about the schools

At the community forum discussion held on April 18, 2024, attendees provided feedback on these components.  Those unable to attend the community forum discussion may provide insight by responding to the WCPS Community Strategic Planning Survey by Wednesday, May 1, 2024. 

It’s important that all voices are represented in the process to plan for the future of our schools.  In addition to the community forum, to collect board community feedback, WCPS has: 

  • Conducted focus groups with students, staff, and community members, including visits to a range of elementary, middle and high schools for the student focus groups 

  • Conducted one-on-one interviews with key curriculum and community stakeholders. 

  • Reviewed our district academic performance and operational data   

  • Created a 50-member design team consisting of students, parents, staff, and community members

WCPS is currently reviewing the feedback gathered from these feedback opportunities, alongside our district performance data, and preparing for the strategic plan design process, which will take place during a series of work sessions throughout May and June.  

All members of our learning community are invited to tune in or attend Board of Education meetings on May 7, 2024, and June 4, 2024, to hear updates on the strategic plan design process. 

 

April 12, 2024

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is preparing to engage the community in a districtwide strategic planning process to guide and direct the future of the school system. Students, parents, staff, and community members are invited to participate in a community forum discussion to provide feedback for the plan on April 18, 2024, at South Hagerstown High School from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The community forum is planned as an opportunity for students, parents, WCPS staff, and community members to provide feedback in an interactive and engaging way. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in small group activities and discussions around topics related to the school system, the community, and public education in Washington County. In the days following the forum, a public survey will be made available to gain additional broad input from the community. 

The plan will incorporate feedback from diverse audiences, with opportunities for stakeholders to provide input through various methods. The strategic plan that is developed will provide guidance and direction for the school system to follow when making decisions to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources effectively, and adapt to evolving educational needs and strategies. 

“As we begin to build our strategic plan, it's critical to include the voices of our students, staff, families, and community members and empower them to actively shape the future of our schools,” says Dr. David Sovine, Superintendent of Schools. “Their feedback is not just valued; it is essential in developing an innovative roadmap for success. Together, as we lead our school system forward, we're creating a culture of collaboration, partnerships, and excellence that will provide our students with learning opportunities and the necessary supports to achieve their fullest potential."

WCPS has contracted with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) to develop the strategic plan. The consultants are currently working with WCPS to outline engagement efforts, and they will direct the gathering and collection of stakeholder input that will shape the district plan.

The strategic planning process will be driven by a 50-member design team, comprised of stakeholders with various roles and involvement in education and the Washington County community. In addition to the community forum and survey, HMH will also be organizing individual and small group discussions with stakeholders to ensure we have a full picture of the current strengths of our school system and our growth opportunities. 

HMH and WCPS staff will be providing updates about the strategic plan to the Board of Education at public business meetings in April, May, and June with the final plan to be submitted in July 2024.