Orange Unified outlines strategic roadmap and graduate profile, design team to convene in September

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Whitmer told the Orange Unified School District board on July 16 that the district has completed a discovery phase for a strategic roadmap and an Orange Unified Graduate Profile, and is moving into a design phase this fall.

The discovery work drew on interviews, focus groups, surveys, classroom observations and data analysis from a representative set of stakeholders — students, parents, PTA members, classified and certificated employees, site leaders and community partners — Whitmer said. From that input the district identified five emerging strategic priorities: student learning and achievement; student wellness and belonging; leadership and professional excellence; systems, communication and organizational effectiveness; and family and community partnerships.

Whitmer emphasized that the Graduate Profile is intended to define the competencies students should progressively develop from TK through grade 12 related to college, career and life readiness, and that the team will link the profile to measurable indicators. The next phase will convene a representative design team in September to refine the graduate profile, finalize a long‑term 10‑year direction and produce a three‑year strategic plan with year‑one implementation priorities. Whitmer said the final strategic plan is scheduled for board review in November 2026.

Trustees asked that the design process include broader representation across early childhood programs and adult transition programs, and highlighted the importance of an implementation roadmap, communications plan and maintaining outreach to varied community voices. The board expressed support for the process and commended staff for the scope of engagement to date.

The design team will be responsible for validating the emerging priorities and developing measurable indicators and materials for board review, Whitmer said.