Superintendent outlines timeline to issue RFP and select strategic‑planning vendor

Superintendent Natalie Gibbs briefed the board on the district’s process to develop a new strategic plan. Gibbs said the previous strategic plan is ending and the district will release a request for proposals for a planning vendor next week.

Gibbs described an ambitious timeline: finalize contract negotiations with a selected vendor and approve an agreement in September; conduct an inclusive strategic‑planning engagement from September through February/March; and present findings before the district’s comprehensive plan is due in March. She said the district is focused on inclusive community engagement and wants the strategic plan to directly inform the comprehensive plan.

Board members asked about the makeup of the selection team. Gibbs said the district will rely on its transition team and that the core transition team includes directors at each level (executive HR director, assistant superintendent of academics, assistant superintendent of operations, director of student services, director of educational services and director of special education). She added communications and public relations staff and the new chief accountability officer would be involved, and that the committee will include educators, administrators and support staff for broader representation.

No formal vote was taken; Gibbs asked for support of the timeline and said staff would present the recommended vendor and contract for board approval in September.