Superintendent (name not specified) announced at the March 20 Westwood School Committee meeting that the district is launching a multi‑year strategic planning process to implement the district's Portrait of a Graduate.

The superintendent said the process will create four or so focal areas with measurable strategic priorities and multi‑year action steps so the district can track progress over an approximately three‑year arc. He asked the committee to appoint one member to a strategic planning team (SPT) he expects to include about 20 people: one School Committee member; 5–7 members of the administrative council (central office staff, principals, assistant principals and deans); 4–6 teachers across grade spans; 2–3 students; and 3–5 parents or caregivers, including representation from Westwood families who live in Boston.

"The general structure of the plan is we'll have a series of focal areas, probably, you know, 4 ish," the superintendent said, describing the desired balance between big goals and concrete action steps.

The superintendent said the SPT will meet biweekly, likely on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in person and hybrid where feasible. He described a schedule in which the SPT and administrative council will develop focal areas and goals in April and May, with the administrative council drafting action steps during June and August retreats. The committee will receive a checkpoint at a July retreat and a final plan in February so the district can align professional development and the next school year behind the goals.

Committee members responded with general support. School Committee member Dory said she would take part in office hours and other community outreach to solicit SPT candidates. Several members emphasized the process should be inclusive but not a standing subcommittee so as to avoid subject‑to‑open‑meeting requirements for routine drafting.

The superintendent said he will post an invitation to solicit SPT members with a deadline the next Thursday and identify the group the following Friday. He emphasized the plan will be dynamic and re‑evaluated annually.

The district's stated goal is to use the strategic plan to make the Portrait of a Graduate actionable by laying out the measurable steps, timelines and aligned professional development the staff will use to reach those outcomes.

Looking ahead, the superintendent asked the committee for feedback on the proposed SPT composition and timeline before he posts the formal invitation to stakeholders.