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Board to refresh strategic plan; staff weigh external consultant vs. in-house process
Summary
Board leadership proposed updating the district strategic plan with substantial board and community input. Staff estimated outside consultants could cost in the neighborhood of $300,000 but suggested an internal, board-led process with targeted external support as an alternative.
Board leadership told the Davis County School District board that the district will undertake a refresh of its strategic plan and that the board should be centrally involved. The update was framed as a chance for the newly seated board to shape long-term priorities and for the superintendent to receive clear, consistent direction.
Board vice leadership described the strategic plan as the document that frames the board’s vision, mission and priorities and said the plan will be used to categorize agenda items and guide the superintendent’s work. The district raised two process options: contract a professional outside firm to facilitate (staff noted an industry estimate “in the ballpark” of $300,000) or run a largely internal process with select external advisers and community focus groups.
Leadership discussed logistics and previous district history: the board’s last major strategic-plan work dates from several years ago and the process had used a committee structure with community focus groups. The board discussed using district communications and graphics staff to produce materials and suggested forming a steering committee of board members and community representatives to help with outreach and draft language.
No formal procurement decision was made at the study session. Leadership said the next steps will include scoping options, clarifying the level of consultant support if any, and proposing a timeline and budget for the board to approve. The conversation emphasized community input via whiteboard nights, focus groups and selected stakeholder sessions to create a plan “the board owns,” while recognizing that some districts choose to hire outside firms to manage the entire process.
Board members asked about timing and past practice; presenters noted the district typically revisits the strategic plan every five to eight years. Leadership recommended a thoughtful, deliberate process that would include board participation, and offered to bring a concrete recommendation and estimated budget to a future meeting for board consideration.
