Dear Puyallup School District Community,
Our school district has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and providing high-quality education and learning opportunities to students. However, as we have learned in recent years, it is increasingly important that we continuously improve and adapt to meet the changing needs of our students and community. With that in mind, I am proud to announce the launch of our district’s new strategic plan, which will help guide us in this effort.
This strategic plan has been developed through a collaborative and inclusive process with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including teachers, staff, parents and guardians, students, community members and district leaders. When we began this process in the summer of 2022, a 17-member Steering Committee, which included leaders from district administration and schools, assembled to develop the strategic plan. The Steering Committee was chartered with developing new mission and vision statements, codifying a theory of action, developing district priorities, and identifying measurable goals. To accomplish this, the committee worked tirelessly to gather data, conduct research and engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of our schools. On behalf of the Board and myself, I am grateful for the time and energy that so many have put into creating a blueprint for supporting the highest levels of student success now and into the future.
This plan is designed to address the existing challenges and opportunities facing our district, with a focus on student success and well-being, academic excellence, quality programs, and exceptional student experiences. Serving as our compass over the next five years, this plan will allow us to inventory initiatives and identify where we need to put our time, resources, and focus. Aligning our most critical needs and priorities will allow us to prepare and empower every student to thrive in school, society, and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of our students. I am confident that this plan will position our district as a leader in education and will better serve the needs of students, families, and community. This plan is dynamic and may evolve based on data or changing situations, however it will be a powerful tool for us now in our ongoing efforts to improve schools and ensure that every student has the opportunities they need to succeed in school, work, and life. As you review this document, I encourage you to stay engaged and continue providing feedback so we can learn, grow, and move forward together.
Dr. John Polm
Superintendent, Puyallup School District