Kelly M. Brown

The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan for The DeKalb County School District outlines a roadmap to empower every student to reach their full potential. It is guided by a vision to prepare students for success as lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. The plan's mission centers on promoting academic, social, and emotional growth through a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment, aiming to build a stronger, more connected community.

The feedback session addressed the process of engaging cluster communities regarding student assignment projects and the necessity of making informed decisions for impacted areas. Discussion topics included the role and cost of consulting firms, the integration of capital planning and program management, the challenges of school funding under the state's Quality Basic Education law, and the impact of sending and receiving data on enrollment projections. Community members provided input on the need for strategic cluster management and advocacy regarding equitable school funding.

This document is a transcript of a Town Hall Meeting held by the DeKalb County School District, discussing various district initiatives and updates. The meeting outlines the district's new strategic plan, detailing its vision to prepare students for success as lifelong learners and global citizens, and its mission to promote academic, social, and emotional growth. Six key focus areas are presented: student academic success and equity, school/family/community engagement, talent recruitment and retention, climate and culture, mental health and wellness, and organizational effectiveness. Other topics covered include student assignment planning, the school expo, the role of the Chief Equity Officer, the 'disconnect to reconnect' program, school safety enhancements, drug and alcohol awareness initiatives, strategies to boost graduation rates and post-secondary readiness through scholarships, and transparent financial audits.

This Strategic Plan for English Language Learners (ELs) outlines the DeKalb County School District's commitment to supporting and empowering its diverse EL student population, which includes over 18,000 students from more than 127 countries speaking approximately 160 languages. The plan focuses on five core priorities: ensuring a guaranteed and aligned curriculum, expanding high-quality professional development for staff, enhancing communication channels with all stakeholders, establishing equitable and inclusive support processes, and increasing active family engagement. The overarching goal is to prepare ELs for lifelong learning and global citizenship by fostering their academic success, English language proficiency, and social-emotional growth, thereby equipping them for thriving in college, career, and life.

This document outlines the strategic direction for the DeKalb County School District, operating under the initiative 'Disrupting for Excellence Newslevels Heights'. The plan focuses on key goals including ensuring student achievement and equitable education, fostering collaboration with teachers, families, and community organizations, developing and retaining quality staff, ensuring equitable resources, promoting mental health and well-being, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. These goals are supported by system frameworks covering curriculum, effective data utilization, personalized learning, performance monitoring, academic and behavioral support, and professional development. The overall vision is to support student success, drive results with learning outcomes, release expected goals, and maintain financial stewardship.