2026-2031 Strategic Plan

The strategic plan graphic for Waterford School District for 2026–2031 above, outlines the district’s vision "Inspire. Educate. Empower." and lists five pillars of focus: Academics & Programs, Learning Environment & Culture, Communications & Community Engagement, Talent Management & Leadership, and Operations. Each pillar includes specific first-year priority objectives.

Mission

Waterford School District inspires excellence by providing meaningful educational experiences that empower all.

Vision

Inspire. Educate. Empower.

Beliefs

We believe in a collaborative, reflective, and responsive school community that values:

• Relationships grounded in trust, respect, and belonging.
• Student, staff, and community voices.
• High expectations paired with perseverance and improvement.
• Shared commitments and accountability.
• A welcoming and inclusive environment.

Strategic Goal Areas

• Academics/Programs
• Talent Management & Leadership
• Operations
• Communications/Community Engagement
• Learning Environment/Culture

Goal Statements

Academics & Programs

Waterford School District will ensure a precision focus on learning by providing high-impact instruction, using aligned curricular resources in learning environments that foster student engagement.

Learning Environment & Culture

Waterford School District will foster an inclusive culture of trust, respect, and shared responsibility that connects students, staff, and the community.

Communications & Community Engagement

Waterford School District will build trust and engagement through effective two-way communication with family, staff, students, and the community.

Talent Management & Leadership

Waterford School District will foster a growth-oriented culture by attracting, valuing, developing, and retaining top talent.

Operations

Waterford School District will effectively allocate resources to create safe, efficient facilities and learning environments.

First Year Priority Objectives / Interim Targets

Academic & Programs

• Identify MTSS teams, data and systems for each level.
• Identify and map out our current programs and pathways to identify gaps and barriers in current programming relative to post-secondary opportunities.
• Establish learning walkthrough tool, expectations of data collection, and professional development rollout.
• Tier 1 curriculum implemented with fidelity to ensuring equity and K-12 alignment.
• Utilize our job embedded professional learning systems to respond to both staff and student needs.

Learning Environment & Culture

• Establish Waterford Together Festival as an annual event.
• Create systems to secure student voice.
• Create campaign focused on One Waterford/Belonging/Togetherness.

Communication & Community Engagement

• Align and synchronize communication platform.
• Facilities and utilization planning survey / roadshow.
• Launch program to utilize student voice to expand communication outreach.

Talent Management & Leadership

• Negotiate labor contracts with a multi-year focus and competitive salary schedules.
• Implement performance evaluations for MESPA I, II, and III staff.
• Expand professional development opportunities for non-instructional staff.
• Sustain and champion Grow-Your-Own (GYO) grant opportunities for staff career development.
• Establish staff advisory council.

Operations

• Benchmark custodial costs with peer districts (cost per sq ft).
• Capital and curriculum forecasted needs - 10-year outlook.
• Standard Response Protocol (SRP) implementation.
• Visitor management implementation.