Allentown School District Announces Steering Committee, Addresses Mission and Vision During First Meeting
ALLENTOWN, PA — On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Lehigh Valley Health Network–Cedar Crest Boulevard, 1200 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103, the Allentown School District’s Strategic Plan Steering Committee held its inaugural meeting to focus on the District’s mission and vision.
The Strategic Planning Process is a complex and comprehensive practice where multiple community and school representatives analyze data sources to identify priorities, set goals, establish strategies, and align resources to improve student performance and outcomes.
In completing the Strategic Plan, the Steering Committee will reflect, review, and affirm the mission and vision for the Allentown School District by enlisting input from stakeholders. The Steering Committee will engage in collaborative decision-making to define a Portrait of a Graduate and outline the actions our District should take to improve the educational experience for the Allentown School District Learning Community.
The Steering Committee announced Tri-Chairs who will drive the process going forward. The Steering Committee Tri-Chairs are:
- Veronica Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, Valley Health Partners Community Health Center.
- Terrence DeFranco, Chief Executive Officer, Iota Communications, Inc.
- Dr. Cheryl Logan, Executive Director, McGraw Center for Educational Leadership, University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout the Strategic Planning Process, the Allentown School District will also conduct an Equity Audit to ensure that the District’s priorities are rooted in equity and access for all students.
The goal is to develop a Strategic Plan with the involvement of school leadership, principals, teachers, families, students, community partners, and business professionals for approval by the Allentown School District Board of School Directors at its May 23, 2024 meeting.
“Throughout the Strategic Planning Process, we will honor our past, foster relationships, and take stock of our successes to capitalize on the opportunities to reimagine our beloved Allentown School District to support all of our learners,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Allentown School District’s Superintendent.
The Steering Committee will review and analyze key data to determine how and where to focus District resources, including time, budget, and professional learning, to meet the outlined priorities and strategies best.
There will also be many opportunities for community engagement through surveys and a variety of community and district Focus Groups. During the Strategic Planning Process, the Steering Committee will incorporate feedback from Advisory Committees that review the priorities and drafts of the Strategic Plan.
Insight Education Group, which has consulted with the School District of Philadelphia, Syracuse City School District, and Charlottesville City Public Schools, will provide strategic guidance and expertise during the Strategic Planning Process.
Future Allentown School District Strategic Plan Steering Committee Meetings will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024; Tuesday, February 13, 2024; Tuesday, March 12, 2024; Tuesday, April 9, 2024; and Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
After each Steering Committee Meeting, the District will update the community on the plan development progress through its website, email and newsletter updates, and social media.
Members of the Allentown School District Strategic Plan Steering Committee include: