Mehlville R-IX launches community "thought exchange" for 2026–31 strategic plan

Dr. Jeff Hogg, superintendent of Mehlville R-IX School District, announced the district has launched a community "thought exchange" to collect public input for its 2026–2031 strategic plan.

Hogg said the tool will let participants add more than one response and use a star-rating system to indicate agreement with ideas. "This is your opportunity to share your insights and help us to build a future that reflects the needs of everyone, students, families, educators, and the broader community," he said.

The district described the thought exchange as the first step in future planning for the 2026–2031 strategic plan. Hogg encouraged community members who are unsure what to write to review other submissions and use the star ratings: "If you're not sure what to write, that's okay too. Please take a look at what others have written and use the star rating system to indicate how much you agree with these thoughts. Every voice in our community matters."

The announcement framed the activity as a way to surface priorities and resources the district should consider when setting goals for student success through the five-year planning window. No votes, budget allocations or formal policy changes were announced during the remarks.

The superintendent closed by thanking community members for participating and reiterating that feedback will guide the district as it develops shared priorities for the strategic plan. "Your feedback will guide us as we identify our shared priorities for the strategic plan of 2026 through 2031. We're committed to listening, learning, and growing together," Hogg said.

The district did not specify a deadline for submissions or provide details on how responses will be reviewed, prioritized or translated into specific policy actions.