Strategic Plan

In January 2024, the Francis Howell School District kicked off a year-long strategic planning process to guide our work through 2030. Stakeholders were invited to provide input on the District’s mission, vision, values, strengths and opportunities through a series of Citizens Roundtables, surveys and focus groups. A 21-member Strategic Planning Team convened in August to analyze the feedback, conduct a SWOT analysis and establish priority areas of focus for each pillar of the plan. The plan features updated vision statements and five core values to guide the community as we work toward our goals in four pillar areas.

individuals gathered around a table in a meeting

Our Vision

By the year 2030, the Francis Howell School District will be:

Recognized as one of the top 5% high-performing districts in the state. (Source: DESE)
The employer of choice for talented educators, leaders and staff.
Fiscally sound, with a track record of smart, long-term planning.
Known for graduating well-rounded students who are equipped with the skills and
experiences they need to be successful in the world.
Celebrated for the work we’ve done on culture, morale and ensuring all members of
our community feel safe and welcome.
Trusted by families and the community to make good decisions and do what’s best
for students.

Mock up of Strategic Plan document print off

FHSD2030 Strategic Plan

Pillar 1: Teaching and Learning

We will rank among the Top 5% of all K-12 public school districts in the state by 2030.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: Ensure all students achieve academic excellence through effective teaching practices, a well-aligned curriculum and supporting resources, and a focus on skills that prepare students for lifelong success.
STUDENT SUPPORT: Ensure all students have the support they need to succeed by providing targeted instruction that addresses academic needs and promotes growth for every learner.
COLLEGE AND CAREER: Prepare students for post-high school success by offering comprehensive college and career readiness programs, engaging students in personalized planning, and providing opportunities for real-world experiences.

Pillar 2: People and Workforce

We will be a destination district and the employer of choice in the region.

WORKFORCE PLANNING: Execute comprehensive workforce planning to ensure appropriate levels of staffing to meet the needs of all students and fulfill critical functions of district operations.
STAFF RETENTION: Motivate and retain staff to impact staff growth and student achievement.
STAFF RECRUITMENT: Attract a highly qualified staff to support the teaching and learning of all students.

Pillar 3: Finance and Operations

We will be a fiscally sound and efficient organization.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION: Allocate resources in a financially sustainable, needs-based manner to support the education of all students by maximizing revenue, aligning expenditures to meet priorities, and controlling costs.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT: Utilize cross-functional stakeholder teams to collaborate, research, and implement best practices for process improvement and operational efficiency in all areas of the district.
SERVICE AND COMPLIANCE: Provide high-quality service to stakeholders, while maintaining compliance with internal and external accountability requirements.

Pillar 4: Safety and Security

All students and staff will be safe and welcome at school and work.

CULTURE, CLIMATE AND COMMUNICATION: Foster positive and welcoming learning and working environments where all students and staff are safe and supported, families have ample opportunities to be involved in our schools, and stakeholders feel heard and valued.
PHYSICAL SECURITY: Enhance the physical security of our buildings and improve safety planning to protect against potential threats.
DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION: Safeguard the digital environment of the district by implementing robust cybersecurity measures, promoting responsible technology use and ensuring the privacy and safety of all students and staff.

Strategic planning presents an opportunity for us to come together as an organization and establish where we want to be in the future, and who we want to be.

Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos

FHSD2030 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Measures of Success

Below are the targets we are aiming for in each pillar area. Progress reports will be provided annually.

Pillar 1: Teaching & Learning

70% of students, and 50% of students in a student group, achieving at proficient or
advanced levels in all tested areas
80% of students reading on grade level by the end of 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade
90% of students meet 80% of the District’s Portrait of a Graduate indicators

Pillar 2: People & Workforce

92% of educators retained annually
80% of staff are satisfied with their employment at FHSD
95% of teachers are fully and appropriately certified at the time of hire

Pillar 3: Finance & Operations

Fund balance: 15% or higher
Zero findings in regular audits
70% of stakeholders agree the District spends taxpayer funds effectively

Pillar 4: Safety & Security

100% of students feel safe at school and 100% of staff feel safe at work
100% pass rate on physical building safety audits, including emergency drills
100% of identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities appropriately mitigated

Values
WE PURSUE GROWTH AND LEARNING. We strive to be a little better and a little brighter every day. Effort and perseverance lead to excellence for all.
WE FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS. People, relationships and strategic priorities deserve our attention every day.
WE SPEND TIME AND MONEY WISELY. Strong stewardship requires long-term planning, smart systems and efficient actions.
WE ARE KIND AND SAFE. We act with integrity and are accountable for the things we say and the choices we make. Words and actions matter.
WE EMBODY #ONEHOWELL. The power of our community shines when we find common ground, lend a helping hand, and work together for a common purpose.

Our Mission

Empowering students to be lifelong learners prepared for the future.

dr. kenneth roumpos in front of 801 Corporate building