Peoria Unified adopts revised strategic framework, sets KPIs and baseline targets

The Peoria Unified School District governing board on Tuesday approved a revised strategic framework and set of key performance indicators the district will use as a baseline for 2025–26, including a districtwide target of a 3% increase in proficiency across English language arts, math and science. The motion to adopt the framework passed by voice vote with five board members voting yes.

Superintendent Dr. Summers presented the framework as the conclusion of “phase 1,” saying it clarifies priorities and how the district will hold itself accountable. “This is more than a framework. It's a commitment, a commitment to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact, and a shared opportunity to lead together with excellence,” Dr. Summers told the board during the presentation.

The plan centers on a single North Star—every student’s success—and names four supporting priorities: learning and teaching (new this year), safety and wellness, stewardship of resources, and parent and community partnerships. Key measurable targets the district listed include a 3% increase in proficiency across core subjects; a 3% increase in proficiency for English learners and students with special needs; maintaining or improving the college and career readiness (CCR) index above 19.9; sustaining a graduation rate above 94%; increasing the share of graduates earning an industry-recognized CTE certification or six-plus dual‑enrollment credits; a staff-satisfaction target of 90% on relevance of professional learning; and student safety and support reported by students at a target of 80%.

Board members pressed for detail on how the metrics will be monitored and how often. Doctor Hernandez, deputy superintendent for educational services, said the district will use interim assessments such as STAR for progress monitoring and expects reporting cycles every six to 10 weeks so the district can “pivot with our interventions” if data show a need to change course. Hernandez also said the administration will present a deeper literacy-focused update at the August 14 meeting.

Board members suggested refinements to how some measures are expressed. Member Mrs. Ewing asked for more clarity about why 3% was chosen; Summers said the target is a pragmatic baseline for the coming year and a starting point for stretch goals in subsequent years. Member Mrs. Proudfit recommended emphasizing parent engagement in the label (she suggested “parent and community engagement”) and urged use of high‑quality survey instruments or third‑party vendors to ensure survey questions yield actionable information.

Members also discussed whether measures for student behavior or classroom disruption should be added to the framework. Dr. Summers said leadership had debated adding a districtwide KPI for behavior disruptions but deferred the decision so the board could consider whether to include such a measure in a later version of the plan.

The board voted on item 7.1, “Strategic framework key performance indicators.” Mrs. Proudfit moved to approve; Mrs. Bowles seconded. The recorded voice vote: Mrs. Bowles — yes; Mrs. Ewing — yes; President Rooks — yes; Mrs. Proudfit — yes; Clerk Toby — yes. Motion passes 5 yeas.

What happens next: Summers said 2025–26 will serve as the baseline year. The district will implement the framework across schools and departments, engage stakeholders, and bring periodic data reports to the board with the intent of finalizing a full 2026–2030 strategic plan by spring 2026.

Board materials and the presentation listed specific operational KPIs (for example, 100% of campuses completing required drills on time; 100% staff trained in emergency procedures; and targets for funds allocated to instruction and completion of a capital master plan), and Summers and other administrators said staff will bring more detailed baseline budget and program measures to the board in coming months.

Board members and administrators also agreed to continue refining survey timing and methodology so short‑cycle signals (more frequent than an annual survey) are useful for operational decisions and so parents and staff receive clear, timely information.

The vote is the formal action the board took on the framework; no other policy changes were enacted at the meeting.