Shaping Our Future

The D102 Strategic Plan (2026–2031)

Welcome to the digital home of District 102’s Strategic Plan. Our schools belong to our community, which is why every 5 years, we bring together families, staff, students, Board members, and community members to reflect, reimagine, and recreate our roadmap for the future. We work together to identify challenges and opportunities and define broad goal areas to guide our district in the future.

This page tells the story of how our community came together during the 2025–2026 school year to build a vision that will guide us for the next five years.

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4 staff members standing at a table ready to present in the mega gym.

The Strategic Planning Process

The 2026-2031 strategic plan was built on a collaborative foundation of stakeholder feedback gathered throughout the 2025–2026 school year. We didn't just meet—we listened and reflected.

OCTOBER 2025

Community Survey, Community Event "dot votes" & Parent Roundtables (Values and Portrait Focused)

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2025

Strategic Planning Meetings with all stakeholders

(Values, Student Learning, and Community Growth)

MARCH – APRIL 2026

Internal Review of Feedback: Administrative Team, District Teaching and Learning Council, & Board of Education

(Vision, Values, Portrait of a Graduate and Goals/ Actions)

FALL 2026

Official Launch 2026-2031 Strategic Plan

Thank You!

We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals who shaped this plan. Our Strategic Plan is the result of a collaborative journey involving every corner of our community. Thank you for your time, your honesty, and your unwavering commitment to our students.

Thank you to:

  • Our 16 5th-8th grade students for sharing your aspirations and needs.

  • Our 20 parents & community members for your partnership and investment in our schools.

  • Our 20 teachers & AEA representatives for your expertise and dedication to excellence.

  • Our 20 administrators for your leadership and operational support.

  • Our Board of Education for your vision and stewardship of our district’s mission.

STAFF gathering in a cirlce standing and talking.

2 girls holding a sign.

Our Foundation: Mission, Vision, and Values

Dr M talks with 2 students.

Students sitting in chairs.

3 teachers standing together and talking to each other.

Our Mission

Empower every student to thrive as a lifelong learner and global citizen.

Our Vision

Every Day, Every Student will engage in meaningful learning opportunities within a safe, caring community and leave school feeling included, connected, and valued—looking forward to tomorrow.

Our Core Values

  • Excellence and Innovation: Striving for high standards through creative problem-solving.

  • Joy and Curiosity: Cultivating a love for learning in every classroom.

  • Diversity as a Strength: Valuing the unique backgrounds and perspectives of all.

  • Safe Environments: Ensuring physical and emotional safety for everyone.

  • Partnership: Working together with families and the community.

Portrait of a D102 Graduate

At the core of our strategic planning process was a focus on student learning. While acknowledging that high levels of academic achievement are valued (and achieved) in D102, it has never been our intent to focus solely on improving test scores. D102 is committed to developing confident, competent, and caring citizens who are prepared to lead in a world transformed by modern technologies, global interdependence, and economic uncertainty.

The Portrait of a Graduate is our "North Star." It outlines the essential skills and attributes we believe every student needs to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The revised 2026 D102 Portrait highlights seven key competencies that reflect our mission to empower all students to thrive as lifelong learners and global citizens.

The Seven Core Competencies:

  1. Perseverance: Staying the course through challenges.

  2. Adaptability: Thriving in a changing world.

  3. Collaboration: Working effectively with others to reach a goal.

  4. Kindness: Understanding and supporting others.

  5. Integrity: Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

  6. Creativity: Approaching the world with an innovative lens.

  7. Critical Thinking: Analyzing information to make informed decisions.

Learn More About the Portrait

Updated Portrait of a Graduate

Portrait of a Graduate Photo

Strategic Priority Areas & Evidence of Success

To achieve our mission and vision, we have organized our work into four priority areas. Each priority area represents an overarching goal with specific focus strategies to ensure transparency and measurable progress.

Priority Area

Overarching 5-Year Goal

Strategies

Student Success and Belonging

Empower each student to maximize individual success and build Portrait of a Graduate competencies through engaging, rigorous, accessible learning experiences that leverage students' strengths.

  • Portrait of a D102 Graduate: Focus on and celebrate achievement in the 7 Portrait of a Graduate competency areas as a district, school, and in classroom instruction.

  • Curriculum Rigor, Relevance, and Consistency

    : Cultivate a culture of authentic learning in which instruction, strategies and assessments are aligned to support a high level of rigor and engagement that maximizes both growth and achievement for D102's diverse student population.

  • Technology and Innovation: Provide students with instruction around adaptable skills, digital literacy and ethical AI understanding while equipping educators with clear guidance and professional learning.

  • Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS): Foster a culture of belonging in our learning environments by using a unified approach to behavior and restorative practices.

Staff Professional Engagement & Well-being

Cultivate professional joy through a collaborative community rooted in shared leadership, excellence, and innovation.

  • Staff Wellness: Refine practices that support individual and collective well-being.

  • Collaborative Community: Sustain structures focused on collective inquiry, collaboration, and student success.

Family & Community Partnerships

Strengthen and connect the D102 community by engaging with families, local agencies, and resources.

  • Clear Communication: Transparent, district-wide sharing and celebrations.

  • Authentic Connection: Foster engagement with families, consortium schools, and local partners.

Operational Excellence

Align all district resources to provide safe, equitable, and sustainable learning environments.

  • Financial Stability: Execute strategic long-term budgeting and planning.

  • Learning Spaces: Maintain and adapt facilities to support current learners and future growth.

Moving from Vision to Reality

Annual Review Process: Every year, the Board of Education and District Administration will review KPI data to track progress, adapt strategies, and ensure we remain accountable to our students and community.

Archived Strategic Planning Page