Strategic Plan Update #1: Together Towards Tomorrow

Last week, a number of people approached me asking how my first year as a superintendent was going. During the conversation, they’d ask me about what I loved most. Without hesitation, I constantly brag about our amazing staff for going above and beyond daily for our students!  When I visit classrooms, I love seeing how our students are locked in and focused on their work. Then, I usually get asked the question of what I’m looking forward to in the near future. Again, without delay, I talk about our upcoming work in creating a community-driven Strategic Plan.

A “hope” I shared with our Oakwood Schools Staff on our Staff Opening Day in the Fall was going “Farther Together.” Referencing an African Proverb, we have the ability and opportunity to go farther if we go together. Therefore, the theme of our Strategic Planning process is “Together Towards Tomorrow.” 

Based on the runway visual from the December 2024 release of our shared work in “Embarking on a New Journey Together,” a culminating milestone to the Spring is the launch of our Strategic Plan. Throughout the next few weeks, we will convene a representative community group comprised of students, staff, parents, and community members to review our mission statement and develop a vision and district priorities for the future. Can I just tell you my excitement in having two students who will be part of this community? 

I am excited to share the ongoing work from the committee throughout these next few weeks.  As part of our process, community members will have an opportunity to provide input on the strategic plan by a future survey.  Knowing that the Spring is filled with many celebrations and the closing of the school year, we will wait until August to unveil the Strategic Plan allowing time for our school leaders to begin to think through steps to operationalize the work ahead. I am excited for our shared journey ahead as we soar “Together Towards Tomorrow.”

Young @ Art & the Rick and Jane Performing Arts Wing Dedication, Saturday, April 6

A large part of what makes Oakwood Schools unique is their emphasis on the arts and how the community embraces and fosters a love and passion for the arts with our students. On Saturday, April 6, we will host Young @ Art at Oakwood High School and Junior High School. In partnership with the Oakwood Fine Arts Boosters, Oakwood Schools will be displaying artwork and performances by our students in the areas of band, orchestra, speech & debate, theatre, choir/a capella, and the visual arts. The hallways and rooms will be filled with immersive experiences, roaming performers, family activities, and more. Families with kids of all ages are encouraged to attend and support the arts! Tickets are $10 tickets for adults only, and support our Teacher Grants Fund. Kids, students, faculty and staff are FREE! 

In addition to the amazing performances and displays of work, the Oakwood Schools Foundation is looking forward to saying “Thank You!” to all those who so graciously supported the Flourish Campaign which made possible the Rick and Jane Schwartz Performing Arts Wing. We hope you can join us for an evening of gratitude at the Dedication Ceremony from 6 - 7 p.m. Please RSVP here.

We hope to see you there!