Roadmap to the North Star: Strategic Plan 2026-2031

Why Strategic Planning Matters

A strong strategic plan acts as a map — helping us navigate the path between our goals and the daily work happening in every classroom. It gives direction and focus, ensures alignment across departments and schools, and defines how progress will be measured. Most importantly, it builds shared accountability and transparency so that every student, family, and staff member can see how their efforts contribute to our collective success.

Our Roadmap to the North Star will move beyond the district’s current Strategic Framework by creating a comprehensive, measurable, and actionable plan. Each department will outline its own goals, strategies, and benchmarks to keep us on track toward our North Star.

Community Input in Our Journey

We believe great plans are built together. The success of Roadmap to the North Star (2026–2031) depends on the voices and perspectives of our entire KCKPS community. 

Strategic Planning Survey

Last fall, KCKPS launched a strategic planning survey to gather input from students, staff, families, and community members, and the response was strong, with hundreds of voices contributing thoughtful feedback. Participants shared that students need a comprehensive set of skills and support to succeed after graduation. These include continuous learning, emotional regulation, and effective communication, along with exposure to real-world experiences, career exploration, and financial literacy. Respondents emphasized the importance of strong academic foundations in reading, writing, and math, as well as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. They highlighted the need for supportive environments, quality instruction, mentorship, and access to resources. Across all groups, there was clear agreement that students should be prepared for college, careers, and civic responsibilities, with social skills, digital literacy, and practical life skills playing a vital role in their overall development.
 

The KCKPS Steering Committee

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee is currently underway, having completed its first of two initial meetings. This group of 30–40 members represents a broad cross-section of our community, including families, students, staff, business and city leaders, and community partners. Working in collaboration with the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), the committee is reviewing and refining the district’s mission, vision, and values, analyzing district data and current performance, and developing the focus area themes that will guide the new strategic plan. Members were selected to ensure strong representation across the diverse voices and perspectives within our district.
 

Coming this spring: Apply for an Action Team

After the Steering Committee determines the strategic themes, Action Teams will be formed around each theme. These teams—made up of educators, students, families, and community members—will meet in spring 2026 to design actionable goals and strategies that turn the district’s vision into measurable results.

Together, we’ll chart a clear, united course toward our North Star—ensuring that every KCKPS student graduates ready to thrive in college, career, and life.