Board weighs three strategic‑planning paths — consultant update favored

The Gresham‑Barlow School District board spent a large portion of its Feb. 20 retreat reviewing strategic‑planning options and timelines for refreshing the district’s long‑range goals and public messaging.

Superintendent Tracy outlined three approaches: a full, externally facilitated strategic plan procured by RFP (a comprehensive process that could cost roughly $50,000–$60,000 and involve an RFP and extensive staff time); a more modest consultant‑assisted update or refresh (Tracy estimated roughly $15,000), and leaning on the district’s required integrated‑grant process (an internal option that could pull together required state elements without an expensive external facilitator).

Tracy said option 2 — a consultant update that honors existing work while curating and clarifying the district’s priorities — was her leading recommendation because it balances cost, speed and the need to integrate many state requirements into a clearer public presentation. Board members asked staff to gather example plans and website presentations for review and to consider whether to issue an RFQ or full RFP, acknowledging that an RFQ would be quicker and lighter to administer.

Members also discussed website accessibility constraints driven by OCR guidance and how presentation choices must meet legal accessibility requirements. The board asked staff to bring refined options and cost estimates to a March work session so members could provide focused guidance ahead of any procurement.

The superintendent noted the strategic plan should align with board conditions, instructional priorities, the portrait of a graduate and state accountability measures — and that packaging and accessibility will be important for community understanding.