Francis Howell School District outlines strategic plan to enhance student achievement and safety

The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) Board of Education convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss key updates on educational resources and the district's strategic plan. The meeting began with a focus on the effectiveness of the BrainPOP educational tool, which is currently under evaluation for its alignment with the district's curriculum and strategic goals. Board members raised questions regarding the assessment of BrainPOP's impact on student learning and its integration into instructional practices. The discussion highlighted the need for data-driven evaluations to ensure that investments in educational resources yield positive outcomes for students.

Following this, Jennifer Joles, the Chief Communications Officer, provided an update on the district's strategic plan. She emphasized the importance of the plan in guiding the district's direction and resource allocation over the next five years. The strategic plan, which was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, outlines four key pillars: teaching and learning, people and workforce, finance and operations, and safety and security.

Under the teaching and learning pillar, strategies were presented to enhance student achievement, including the implementation of an instructional framework and consistent assessment practices. The people and workforce pillar focuses on staff satisfaction and retention, with plans for systematic workforce planning and recruitment strategies to attract quality educators.

The finance and operations pillar aims to maintain fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilized effectively while exploring additional revenue sources. Lastly, the safety and security pillar addresses the need for a safe learning environment, with strategies for improving school security and cybersecurity measures.

The board concluded the meeting with a commitment to ongoing updates regarding the strategic plan's implementation and the evaluation of educational tools like BrainPOP. The discussions underscored the district's dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring a safe, supportive environment for students and staff.