How Our Plan Was Developed
Over the past two years, district staff worked closely with the Board of Education to draft the next iteration of our strategic plan. Throughout this process, the Superintendent, Dr. Mike Looney, actively engaged in conversations with Board members, district and school leaders, teachers, students, and parents. These discussions revealed the need for foundational work to strengthen the Fulton County School’s climate and culture before moving forward with a formalized strategic plan.
Dr. Looney and the leadership team recognized that while strategic plans come and go, a truly transformational plan must be built on a well-defined set of values. With this understanding, the strategic planning process was paused in August 2023 to focus on defining our values that would ultimately guide the future direction of Fulton County Schools.
The framework developed by Steve Bollar guided Fulton County Schools to define our values creating a shared language for discussions.
The initial step identified the district’s top three core values, ensuring they genuinely reflected the voices of all stakeholders. To capture everyone’s perspectives and input, the Board of Education, Cabinet, Executive Staff, Principals, Schools, and district staff participated in a formalized feedback process to identify and define our core values. The feedback gathered was then synthesized to ensure alignment across the county.
Participation Group |
Count |
Value |
Totals |
---|---|---|---|
Leadership |
311 |
Teamwork |
3626 |
School Staff |
5579 |
Integrity |
3433 |
District Staff |
270 |
Accountability |
3420 |
Total Participation |
6160 |
Collaboration |
939 |
|
|
Trust |
543 |
Growth |
320 |
||
Knowledge |
268 |
||
Diversity |
158 |
After several rounds of feedback and reflection, we identified three core values to guide our work:
- Teamwork: We value teamwork by working together to meet common goals.
- Integrity: We value integrity by being honest, ethical, and transparent.
- Accountability: We value accountability by taking responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
Core Values and Definitions
After conducting a detailed data review, SWOT (Strengths, Weakensses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, and gathering feedback from all of the Superintendent’s Advisory Councils, Fulton County Schools and the Board established the following six strategic goals below.
Strategic Plan Goals & Continuous Improvement Cycle:
It was important that these goals were clear, easy to interpret, and built to last. They are simple yet focused on what we, as a district, find most important. Surrounding the goals is the concept of continuous improvement—a constant, ongoing process of growth and progress.
Enhance Performance for All Students:
Our mission is to enhance performance for all students. We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals and fostering excellence in academics, arts, athletics, attendance, and behavior. Our approach is tailored to support diverse learning styles and abilities through differentiated teaching methods and robust support systems. We are committed to continuous improvement by creating an inclusive environment that supports every student's unique needs and ensures progress on their educational journey. At Fulton County Schools, we're dedicated to shaping a brighter future for every student in our community.
Prioritize Safety and Operational Efficiency
Fulton County Schools is committed to establishing a secure and safe learning environment for students and staff. We invest in resources that promote physical, mental, and emotional safety, implement robust protocols, and ensure our infrastructure meets safety standards. Additionally, we focus on optimizing operational processes to minimize disruptions and waste, ensuring a smooth learning experience for everyone involved. By prioritizing safety and efficiency, we aim to create an atmosphere for effective teaching and learning while addressing the well-being of our students and staff.
Ensure Impactful Programming
Fulton County Schools is committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for the demands of the modern world. Our aim is to offer a diverse range of opportunities that cater to the needs of our diverse student body, ensuring they have the necessary tools for success in all aspects of life. We carefully select and monitor programs to ensure they benefit both our students and the district as a whole. It's not just about individual student achievement; we also prioritize district-wide efforts that enhance the overall value of Fulton County Schools.
Strengthen Employee Engagement
At Fulton County Schools, attracting and retaining high-quality educators and staff is a priority. We foster a positive workplace culture through diverse professional development, recognition programs, and open communication. By prioritizing employee engagement, we enhance education quality and create a supportive environment where teachers and staff feel valued and motivated. This positive atmosphere directly impacts student learning experiences, fostering a conducive and inspiring educational journey.
Utilize Fiscal Resources Effectively
Fulton County Schools’ commitment to responsible financial management aims to ensure that every dollar benefits our students, staff, and community. Through careful budgeting, continuous monitoring, and strategic resource allocation, we maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars while prioritizing transparency and accountability. Our dedication to fiscal responsibility means we work diligently to pursue long-term financial sustainability, safeguarding resources for the future of education in our district.
Deepen Community Connections
Fulton County Schools recognizes the importance of collaboration between schools, the district, and our communities. Through active engagement with parents, local businesses, and community organizations, we foster a supportive network aimed at ensuring shared responsibility for student success. Building on our history of community partnerships, including the establishment of local school governance councils, we remain dedicated to strengthening communication and integration efforts that will positively shape the future of education.