Lead Forward strategic plan
The Maize USD 266 Lead Forward strategic plan was developed after a year-long District Needs Assessment, which included a Superintendent Employee Listening Tour, discussion with stakeholder advisory groups, and an analysis of district achievement data.
After needs were identified, each line of the plan was written with intentionality. Teachers and students provided adjectives and verbs that exemplify Maize. Then their words informed the language in main focus areas that represent the needs mentioned most by stakeholders:
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Nurture a Cohesive Culture
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Attract Expert Educators
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Elevate Student Learning
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Build for the Future
The Maize Board of Education approved the plan in August 2023, and the plan will guide Maize USD 266 through 2028. Please explore the document in full below.
About Our Plan
A strategic plan focuses time, talent, and resources in alignment with identified priorities that correspond to district needs.
During the 2022-23 school year, leaders engaged stakeholders, including students, employees, parents, and community members, and listened to their needs and dreams. Feedback was collected at community events, school site visits, and during a Superintendent Employee Listening Tour with sessions at every school and department building. To further clarify needs, the district also reengaged advisory groups, including the Superintendent Student Advisory Team, Superintendent Teacher Advisory Team, District Site Council, District Leadership Team, Building Leadership Teams, Building Site Councils, and a Special Education Advisory Team. During these meetings, strengths and needs were discussed in detail. Then, all data points were analyzed and prioritized to pinpoint opportunities for growth in Maize USD 266.
Focus Areas
Maize USD 266 is already an amazing place, but it can continue to get even better with focused, collaborative work. The main areas below contain three lead measures that become the district’s next steps for improvement.
Nurture a Cohesive Culture
- Cultivate & Sustain Relationships
- Embrace Family Partnerships
- Align District Processes
Attract Expert Educators
- Bolster Total Compensation
- Energize Workplace Culture
- Create Impactful Professional Learning
Elevate Student Learning
- Boost Student Attendance
- Enhance Individualized Support
- Strengthen Resilience
Build for the Future
- Inspire Innovative Spaces
- Ensure Safety & Security
- Accommodate Expected Enrollment Growth
Long-Term Goals
Maize USD 266 will demonstrate progress through long-term goals outlined below.
1. Increase Graduation Rate
By 2028, the high school graduation rate will increase from 95.2 percent to 96 percent.
2. Post-Secondary Success Rate
By 2028, the post-secondary success rate will increase from 69.6 percent to 72.1 percent.
3. Reading Proficiency
By 2028, the reading proficiency rate will increase from 73 percent to 80 percent on the Kansas State Assessment.
4. Math Proficiency
By 2028, the math proficiency rate will increase from 77 percent to 85 percent on the Kansas State Assessment.
District Needs Assessment
Annually, Maize USD 266 produces a needs assessment to identify common barriers students face and recommendations for improvement. This process, now required by Kansas state statute, will guide district leaders and the Maize Board of Education to take actions to address and remove those barriers for student success in support of the Lead Forward strategic plan.
Maize USD 266 Guiding Principles
Vision
The Maize School District is a student-centered environment where all members of the school-community are empowered to participate and thrive academically, civically, and socially through relevant educational experiences to achieve and fulfill their life's purpose.
Mission
The mission of Maize USD 266 is to inspire students to discover their potential through connecting, learning, and leading.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Community
- Responsibility
- Empathy
- Resilience
About the Lead Forward Branding
The branding of the Lead Forward strategic plan was designed to merge the timeless tradition of excellence in Maize with the needs of our fast-growing district. Leaders combined the traditional rising star, which has long been a symbol associated with Maize USD 266, with colors that reflect Maize USD 266 schools: red Eagles, gold Mavericks, blue Pride and Panthers, purple Wolves and Mustangs, green Chameleons, and teal Explorers. The district is multifaceted, as are the opportunities leaders want to provide. And, leaders chose the title Lead Forward to reflect the district's Mission: Connect. Learn. Lead.