Superintendent outlines four district goals for 2025–26, focusing on instruction, staff, community and finance

Superintendent Lautzenheiser presented the Higley Unified School District’s proposed district goals for 2025–26, which align with the district’s strategic anchors and focus on teaching and learning, personnel supports, community relations and finance and operations.

The presentation framed goals as measurable, focused priorities tied to the district’s 2022–2027 strategic plan. For teaching and learning, the superintendent proposed a 2% growth target on standardized assessments and continued implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs) at sites. For personnel, an overarching goal is a 2% increase in employee satisfaction measured by the spring climate‑and‑culture survey, supported by site‑level plans to build camaraderie and feedback systems.

For community relations, the superintendent emphasized cross‑campus feeder‑school events and outreach to increase awareness of district pathways and student opportunities. For finance and operations, staff highlighted ongoing work to maintain “Recognition of Excellence in Financial Reporting” practices, to keep policies accessible and to continue regular audit and policy reviews.

Board discussion and next steps

Board members praised feeder‑school and community events and asked how the district will gather PLC feedback from teachers. Staff replied that teacher feedback will come through existing climate surveys and through principals’ PLC logistical plans, which were required of principals during summer planning. The superintendent said the goals will be revised based on board feedback and presented as an action item at the next meeting for a final vote.

Ending

The superintendent asked for board feedback and said the goals are intended to focus site and district work for the coming year; a final goals item will be returned at the next meeting for board adoption.