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Board holds strategic-planning ideation session with RTI; officials emphasize grade-level proficiency, SEL and vocational pathways

Cumberland County Schools Board (committee meetings) · January 7, 2026
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Summary

RTI-led workshop collected board priorities for the district's 2026–2031 strategic plan: ensure students graduate on grade level, expand vocational and career pathways, strengthen teacher recruitment/retention and deepen community partnerships.

RTI consultants led a board ideation session on the district's next strategic plan. Board members and consultants discussed the most important knowledge, skills and dispositions graduates should have—suggestions included strong grade-level literacy and numeracy, communication and social-emotional skills, and multiple post‑secondary pathways including vocational options.

Board members emphasized making schools welcoming community hubs and restoring certain foundational instruction (writing, manipulatives for math) while also expanding arts and career-technical opportunities. Several members urged stronger teacher support and retention strategies—pay, grow-your-own programs and earlier career exposure (student aides and high-school teacher pipelines). Members also repeatedly recommended more robust use of community partners (military connections, faith-based organizations, retirees) to provide tutoring, mentorship and wraparound services.

RTI said notes from the session will feed districtwide community engagement and that staff will return to the board in February with emerging trends gathered from focus groups and steering-committee work.