Superintendent Thompson presented a comprehensive update to the Fitchburg School Committee on the district’s strategic plan, outlining six priorities and next steps for a new five‑year plan.

Thompson told the committee the plan’s six commitments are “curriculum that is accessible and reflective of all students,” a districtwide system of tiered academic and social‑emotional supports, staff development and diverse recruitment, strategic use of resources, a sense of belonging for students and families, and community and stakeholder engagement. He said the district has implemented a single data‑inquiry process across all eight schools, expanded high‑quality instructional materials and learning‑walk monitoring, and strengthened instructional leadership teams to improve classroom instruction.

On supports for students, Thompson described co‑teaching models for special education and English‑language learners, use of social‑emotional curricula such as Second Step and Responsive Classroom practices, and work with a consultant, Blue Engine, to support co‑teaching. He said goals are aligned from district to school to teacher level and are tracked as measurable (SMARTE) objectives.

Thompson and administrators described efforts to grow teacher talent, including a Teacher Leadership Academy that the district has run for multiple cohorts, partnerships with Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College to offer paraprofessional pathways into teacher preparation, and early planning for a state teacher‑apprenticeship program. The administration said professional development has shifted toward more choice‑based, teacher‑led sessions and added stipends for staff who lead PD.

On resources and capital planning, the administration said it is inventorying mechanical and structural systems across facilities and developing a prioritization tool to schedule 3–5 year capital investments as federal COVID and SR funds wind down. Business‑office work includes monthly site‑based budget reviews to help principals understand line‑item spending and what must be obligated by certain deadlines.

Thompson emphasized community engagement as a central element of the plan. He said the district is piloting a Panorama survey system to collect feedback from students and families, has partnered with the Equity Imperative on trainings for school leadership, and plans a welcome center to centralize family supports. He announced a steering committee with a first meeting scheduled for Dec. 12 and said the administration expects to roll out the next strategic plan by July or August.

The presentation followed brief committee subcommittee reports and concluded with an invitation for parents and community members to take part in upcoming forums and steering‑committee work. The committee did not take a final vote on the strategic plan at the meeting; Thompson framed the presentation as an update and a call for broader stakeholder participation.