Benjamin SD 25 board previews five‑year strategic plan and praises theater program

At its April 16 meeting the Benjamin SD 25 Board of Education reviewed a draft strategic plan created by a committee of roughly 50 teachers, parents, students and administrators and recognized the district theater program for its recent production of Matilda.

A presenter on the strategic‑plan team said the group held three whole‑day retreats and two evening Zoom sessions to produce the draft, and that the work included a data retreat, a vision retreat and a planning retreat to set five‑year goals and strategies. “We developed a team of about 50 people that included teachers, staff, parents, students, both high school and eighth graders, as well as leaders, administrators, board members,” the presenter said. The draft is scheduled to go to the board in April for approval.

Board members and attendees highlighted the plan’s strong stakeholder support. The presenter said survey and committee results showed very high levels of agreement on mission, vision, core values and goals; the presenter added that the “profile of a graduate” item received unanimous support in staff and community review.

The board also recognized the student theater program and technical staff for their work on the Matilda production. A theater staff member thanked the board for investing in the district sound system and said the new equipment improved student learning and made it easier to support other activities in the district.

The board received printed copies of the plan and tokens of appreciation for committee participants, arranged a group photo in front of the Benjamin sign, and discussed plans to convert the draft into public‑facing graphics and materials. The board president and staff indicated the strategic plan will be used to ground future decisions if the board approves the draft at its upcoming meeting.