Strategic Change Agenda

In spring 2024, North Shore School District 112 recognized the need to develop a forward-thinking strategic plan to meet the evolving needs of students, staff and the broader community. Seeking an approach that went beyond traditional planning methods, the district partnered with the Schlechty Center, which offered a unique framework known as the Strategic Change Agenda. This student-centered, adaptive approach emphasized meaningful engagement and long-term transformation. To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive process, the district involved community members at every level, aiming to build a shared vision rooted in meaningful input from those directly impacted by its outcomes. 

This commitment to collaboration laid the foundation for a strategic change process designed to drive continuous improvement and student success.

In September 2024, a Discovery Team was assembled for a two-day session to assess the organization’s capacity to move in our desired direction. This team included a cross-section of community partners, the superintendent, deputy superintendent, school board members, leadership team members, staff, community members, students, and association leadership. Their role was to identify patterns, trends, and issues by serving as auditors as part of a capacity-building process. This process provided valuable insights, highlighting areas where the district operates effectively as a learning organization and where further exploration was needed. A few other frameworks provided by the Schlechty Center, including the Images of School, Defining Moments, and the ten System Capacity Standards, were used throughout the discovery process.

Subsequently, the Extended Discovery process involved multiple 45-minute focus conversations in October 2024 (in English and Spanish). These sessions included principals, associate principals, central office staff, students, community members, and families/caregivers.

In November 2024, when all focus conversations and assessments were completed, the data from those conversations were compiled and sorted to once again look for themes, patterns, and trends. Central office administrators looked for areas in which the district was doing well and areas in which the district could improve. The results were compiled and analyzed to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth, then refined to identify key goal areas.

A small team representing the Office of the Superintendent and various departments collaborated to refine the goal areas, draft the mission, vision, and values, and create pictures of success. The draft was then reviewed again with the Discovery Team. In total, over 225 community members, including 80 students ranging from 5th grade through high school, contributed meaningfully to shaping these shared aspirations. The results of this inclusive process are proudly presented in this document.

In February 2025, a draft of the strategic change agenda was presented to the board of education during a committee of the whole meeting. This meeting provided an opportunity for an in-depth discussion about the development process, key findings, and the proposed direction for the district’s future. The board engaged in thoughtful dialogue, ensuring the agenda aligned with the district’s goals and the community’s needs.

Following this discussion, in March 2025, the board of education formally approved the strategic change agenda, setting the stage for its implementation. This milestone marked a commitment to continuous improvement and the realization of the district’s long-term vision. Next, district and school administrators will use the agenda as a foundation for developing specific operational goals at both the district and school levels, translating the strategic priorities into actionable steps that drive meaningful progress.

This document will be reviewed annually to ensure goals and pictures of success remain in alignment with educational best practices and the needs of our students, staff, families/caregivers, and community.

READ THE APPROVED STRATEGIC CHANGE AGENDA (ENGLISH) 

READ THE APPROVED STRATEGIC CHANGE AGENDA (SPANISH)

North Shore School District 112 is a transformative learning organization where curiosity inspires minds, innovation shapes the future, and students, staff, and families engage to create a kind and connected community that is committed to excellence.

Our vision is to be a thriving, inclusive, learning community where each student is empowered to reach their full potential and achieve their greatest aspirations. By utilizing evidence-based practices, innovations in teaching and learning, and personalized support, we create an environment where each student learns, grows, and achieves academic excellence. We nurture resilience and foster meaningful relationships, while developing transformative leaders, engaged learners, and responsible citizens who are inspired and equipped to make a positive impact.

COMPASSION

We value cultivating a compassionate community where students actively demonstrate empathy, kindness, and understanding toward others to uphold personal growth and social responsibility.

CONNECTION

We value connection as the foundation of our thriving learning organization. By encouraging meaningful relationships and two-way communication among students, families, staff, and the broader community, we build a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and engaged.

EQUITY

We value equity in our district by creating opportunities for each student by addressing individual needs, dismantling barriers, and amplifying student voices. We provide each student with the personalized resources and support to succeed, designing culturally responsive environments to meet each student where they are.

GROWTH

We value continuous growth by setting rigorous academic standards and high expectations for each student.

INTEGRITY

We value integrity in our learning organization by upholding honesty, respect, and accountability in how we act and how we treat others, and by nurturing students who make meaningful contributions to the community and the world.

SAFETY

We value safety and well-being, both physical and emotional, by creating a secure and supportive learning environment for students, staff, and the community.

GOAL AREA ONE: FOCUS ON STUDENT SUCCESS AND WELL-BEING

We are committed to empowering each student to achieve personal success, experience continuous growth, and feel valued as a unique individual in a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment. We are dedicated to designing learning experiences that ignite curiosity, strengthen students’ ability to adapt and persevere through challenges, and nurture a sense of purpose. Through innovative approaches, we personalize instruction and intentionally leverage the power of curricular resources and technology to make learning exciting, meaningful, and rigorous. Student success is defined, celebrated, and communicated. We value student choice and student voice, encouraging each learner to take an active role in their education, follow their passions, make meaningful decisions, and shape their path. Social-emotional learning is prioritized to ensure that each student develops compassion, resilience, and connection. Together, we foster a community where each student finds inspiration, and explores new possibilities, and becomes an engaged learner.

GOAL AREA TWO: DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTNERSHIPS

We are committed to prioritizing strong relationships and partnerships with families and the community. Through two-way communication, the district fosters an environment that values transparency and connection, aiming to be a good neighbor by engaging respectfully and collaboratively with community members. With a commitment to accessibility, the district involves its multilingual community, ensuring that outreach efforts are inclusive and effective. By empowering families with the information they need, the district helps families confidently engage with tools and resources, strengthening the home-school connection. New families are welcomed through intentional onboarding, building trust and confidence in the district’s dedication to equity, safety, and community integration. Classroom communication is a central focus, with open, timely, and meaningful updates that keep families informed about learning and classroom activities. Real-time, accessible technology supports family engagement, and the district’s communication structure provides continuity and consistency. The district encourages collaboration within the community, between schools and families, and with local agencies and organizations, fostering a support network to help each child thrive in school and beyond. Decisionmaking considers community input to ensure actions are aligned with the community’s values and needs. Together, these elements create a unified, thriving community where families, students and educators collaborate seamlessly, grounded in trust, mutual support and respect.

GOAL AREA THREE: FOCUS ON ATTRACTING, DEVELOPING, AND RETAINING QUALITY STAFF BY USING RESOURCES STRATEGICALLY, RESPONSIBLY, AND FLEXIBLY

We are committed to establishing and maintaining a positive culture in which staff are highly engaged and highly satisfied. Attracting, developing, and retaining quality staff by using resources strategically, responsibly, and flexibly is essential to building a supportive, positive, and high-performing learning organization. We build a collaborative culture by selecting candidates who exemplify our philosophy of the human capital management system, “one more like our best” and exhibit high levels of integrity and professionalism. We provide intentional instructional coaching, mentoring, and purposeful professional development for staff to grow and effectively perform in their roles. We are committed to building capacity for both those seeking advancement within the district and those who wish to lead from where they are, empowering all staff to contribute meaningfully. Financial accountability enables us to invest thoughtfully in our people, facilities, and technology, ensuring staff and students have the resources to feel safe, supported, and well-equipped for success. By maintaining flexibility in our approach, we can adapt to changing needs, creating a resilient workplace that attracts and retains top talent committed to excellence.