Show Low board adopts new vision, mission and guiding principles after five‑month community process

After a five-month, community-led process, the Show Low Unified School District Board of Education voted to adopt a new vision, mission and a set of guiding principles at the June regular meeting.

Dr. Shane Farnsworth, the superintendent, said the committee met once a month and that the product reflects community values and will provide “marching orders” for the district. Susan Midkiff, who served on the committee, described the process as passionate and said it represented a cross-section of the community. Steve Hackethorn, another committee member, told the board the process was one of the best strategic planning efforts he has participated in and praised the facilitation.

Committee members who spoke at the meeting read the approved language aloud. The new vision begins, in part, “We are the Cougars, unified in excellence,” and the guiding principles list respect, community involvement, clear communication, accountability, perseverance, safe and supportive environments, high expectations for all students, fiscal responsibility, learning beyond the classroom, and support for employees.

Dr. Farnsworth said the next steps include sharing the adopted materials districtwide, marketing (posters and communications), and campus presentations in July to translate the vision and principles into operational priorities. The board president moved to adopt the vision, mission and guiding principles; the motion passed.

Ending: Board members and committee volunteers emphasized the district’s aspiration toward excellence and said staff will bring the document to campuses and incorporate it into district communications and planning.