Building on the Foundation of the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan

Recruit and retain high quality staff in alignment with NSSED (TrueNorth) and member district goals and initiatives

• Improved recruiting process
• Improved retention process (e.g., Teacher Assistant contract amendment)
• Finalized collective bargaining agreements

Develop a regional and district-focused professional learning framework

• Developed a professional learning system and process, with robust member district focused offerings

Develop and utilize data systems within NSSED (TrueNorth) to guide practices

• Replaced and secured network, including network filtering for student safety
• Implemented a new student information system
• Systematized data collection expectations and protocols across program/service areas
• Established and completed regular evaluation cycles across all employee groups
• Established a cooperative data dashboard
• Planned and implemented two regional strategic planning processes

Develop a sustainable, equitable and flexible financial model that provides affordable access to a full continuum of services

• Developed a new documented financial model for increased transparency and fairness across member districts
• Established long-term facilities plan aligned to mission and vision

Utilize resources efficiently while identifying alternative revenue sources

• Created five-year facility plan for member district annual financial predictability
• Purchased Rubloff Building at a significantly reduced cost to increase member district investment
• Opened community-based transition location in conjunction with the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce workforce development initiative to increase student paid employment opportunities

Systematically align all resources

• Supported each goal team and ensured appropriate resource levels to meet goals
• Reduced administrative costs through streamlined and rebuilt organizational chart
• Reduced technology costs through a centralized budget and establishment of a consistent device replacement cycle
• Consistently reduced overall annual operating budget

Facilitate collaboration and sharing of knowledge among all stakeholders in partnership with member districts 

• Created annual transparent continuous improvement cycle with regular feedback, inclusive of member district stakeholder weeks, goal-sharing profile meetings, and financial forecast commitments; and aligned data-driven program/service goals and action plans

Build a structure for customized support and mutual sharing of information between each of the member districts and cooperatives

• Developed a new website
• Acquired board management software
• Refreshed master brand with name change and marketing materials
• Established annual superintendent and Leadership Council orientation
• Created a policy manual with a process for regular updates

Expand and strengthen the quality of instructional design throughout the continuum of programs and services with emphasis on instruction, relevance and rigor. Instructional design priorities must include social emotional learning, academic content and pathways to community, college and careers.

• Developed a System Assessment Tool for member districts to analyze access and opportunity gaps
• Increased number of students in paid employment
• Created a five-year instructional innovation plan of programs and services

Eliminate systemic barriers to growth through adaptive and flexible solutions

• Developed process for increasing student achievement through access to general education curriculum per Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) goals and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements of students with disabilities
• A six-year positive trend across all member districts of students early childhood through age 22 accessing greater than 80% of their day with their nondisabled peers

Districts will commit and contribute to the collaborative work of the region

• Developed regular member district stakeholder meeting schedule, summary notes, and transparent website publication
• Attended, and presented with member districts, at state and national conferences on education and legislative advocacy topics
• Assisted member districts in preparing for ESSA and IDEA disability requirements