Strategic Planning Process - Juneau School District

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The Juneau School District is conducting a Strategic Planning process to identify a shared vision and priorities for the future.

The Strategic Planning process relies heavily on input from stakeholders, including parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, staff, students, district partners, and community residents. It will result in a shared vision for an ideal future and priorities for the next five years.

\ The comprehensive process will take several months. It includes data gathering and analysis; using the data to develop mission, vision, values, and priorities; and' identify strategies and measures of progress.

There are four phases of the project: organizational readiness, inclusive engagement, focus on the future, and implement & evaluate. The district is currently completing the inclusive engagement phase. HYA Associates, has prepared two reports on the input that has been gathered from stakeholders to date.

State Of The District Survey Results

Results from a survey conducted during May 2025, provide insights into stakeholder perceptions of district performance, priorities, and equity efforts. The report, linked in the bar below, underscores the need for continued focus on teacher quality, student readiness, safety, and equity to address achievement gaps and improve overall district performance.

The survey, completed by 645 students, staff, families and community members, highlights the following:

Strengths

Technology integration in classrooms.
Engagement with diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic groups.
Employment of effective teachers, administrators, and support staff.
Personalized instructional strategies for individual learning needs.
Safe school environments.

Top Priorities for the Future

Hiring and retaining quality teachers and administrators.
Preparing students for the next grade, college, and career readiness.
Providing a safe environment for students and employees.
Ensuring a well-rounded experience for all students.
Addressing students' social and emotional needs.

Highly Rated Programs

Library and resource centers
Intramurals/athletics and extra-curricular activities.
Fine arts (visual arts, music, theatre) and science

Equity Efforts

Students have trusted adults for support.
Programs address basic physical and mental health needs.
Minority students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
Discipline practices avoid suspension and expulsion.
Equal opportunities for under-represented minority students in advanced programming.

Challenges

Only 20% of respondents rated the overall quality of education as "Good" or "Excellent."
Concerns about academic expectations, with 55% of respondents feeling they are "Too low" or "Much too low."
Mixed perceptions of equity, with lower ratings for resource allocation and diversity representation in faculty and administration.

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Report from interviews, focus groups, and forums

Data Collection Process

Qualitative data was gathered from various stakeholders to assess the district's strengths, challenges, and future aspirations. There were individual interviews with 15 key leaders, forty-nine people participated in focus groups across various categories, including students and parents, and thirty-nine people attended community forums, for a total of 103 participants.

\ Summary of Overall Findings

\ Strengths

The district showcases numerous strengths that contribute to its educational success and community engagement. - Student-centered focus ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. - Dedicated and loyal staff committed to student success. - Strong community support and partnerships with Tribal programs. - Diverse educational opportunities, including CTE programs and place-based learning. - Fiscal stability following recent school consolidations.

Significant Challenges Facing the District

The district faces several challenges that need to be addressed to improve educational outcomes and stakeholder trust. - Strained relationships between leadership, staff, and the community. - Low staff morale and feelings of being undervalued. - Recruitment and retention issues, particularly in special education. - Overrepresentation of Native Alaskan students in special education programs. - Declining enrollment and fiscal instability complicating future planning.

Future Focus and Aspirational Goals

The district aims to enhance its educational environment and address key areas for growth over the next three to five years. - Rebuilding trust among community, staff, and leadership. - Enhancing culturally responsive instruction for Indigenous students. - Prioritizing recruitment and retention of staff, especially in special education. - Streamlining fiscal operations and aligning resources with instructional goals. - Developing a "Portrait of a Graduate" to define student success.

\ Facilities: Strengths, Challenges, and Future Focus

The district's facilities are generally well-located and in good condition, but face challenges related to administrative policies and potential consolidations. - Strengths: Geographically well-located schools and good condition of facilities. - Challenges: Administrative policies hindering efficiency and potential trust issues from consolidations.

Future focus: Proactive planning for consolidations and ensuring safe learning environments. 

\ Financial: Strengths, Challenges, and Future Focus

The district enjoys fiscal stability but faces challenges related to funding and declining enrollment. - Strengths: Current fiscal stability and community support. - Challenges: High cost of living affecting staff retention and insufficient special education funding.

Future focus: Streamlining fiscal operations and aligning resources with operational needs. 

Communication: Strengths, Challenges, and Future Focus

The district has strong community support but needs to improve trust and communication among stakeholders. - Strengths: Strong community partnerships and a culture of collaboration. - Challenges: Rebuilding trust and addressing low staff morale due to inadequate communication. Future focus: Enhancing communication with Alaska Native families and conducting community engagement initiatives. 

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next steps

The Board of Education had a Retreat on the Strategic Planning Process on Saturday, August 23, to review the Quantitative and Qualitative Reports contained in this newsletter.

The Board is currently recruiting for a Strategic Planning Community Committee that will meet at least two times (September 23 and October 21) for six hour sessions designed to develop the first draft of a mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Super Site Council Briefing - To be scheduled in September

As the process unfolds, there will be progress updates, presentation of the drafts, opportunities for public feedback, and Board of Education input on a final plan. Formal action will be taken on the adoption of a strategic plan at a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education in public. Additional opportunities for Board and public comments will be provided at that time.