How We Built The Strategic Plan
Community Voices
This strategic plan is a reflection of the collective voice of our community. We engaged thousands of community members through a survey, interviews, personal engagements and input sessions. Staff listened to, read, and absorbed each piece of feedback to capture the voices of our students, families, staff, and community members.
Our work does not end here. We embrace the ongoing process of improving and refining this plan.
We believe that together, we will BE GREAT!
12,467 Survey Responses
from students, staff, families, and community members
28 Input-Giving Groups
including students, school-based and central office staff, community groups, and external readers
225 Personal Engagements
with parents/guardians, Board of Education members, and the County Executive
1 Advisory Committee
including students, staff, and community leaders
Foundational Components
This strategic plan is grounded in a commitment to put our students as our highest priority. It is anchored in the core values identified by our community and aligned with our Educational Equity Framework, Maryland’s Commitments based on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and the foundational Five Focus Areas established by the Board of Education.
Our strategies are rooted in the four elements of the Educational Equity Framework and guided by the requirements under Maryland’s Educational Blueprint Commitments.
Success is measured through the Five Focus Areas.
Reporting the Plan
Reports and information items are shared regularly with the Board of Education of Howard County.
Plan Reports
| BE GREAT Together Priority | Goal | 2024-25 Progress |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1: Strengthen Learning and Instruction | Increase the percent of students who are college and career ready by the end of Grade 10 and minimize disparities across student groups | March 13, 2025 Report |
| Priority 1: Strengthen Learning and Instruction | Increase the percent of students proficient in mathematics by the end of middle school and minimize disparities across student groups | April 29, 2025 Report |
| Priority 1: Strengthen Learning and Instruction | Increase the percent of students reading proficiently by the end of Grade 3 and minimize disparities across student groups | May 8, 2025 Report |
| Priority 2: Cultivate Student Belonging & Well-Being | Reduce student chronic absenteeism rates and minimize disparities across student groups | January 30, 2025 Report |
| Priority 2: Cultivate Student Belonging & Well-Being | Reduce disproportionate suspension rates | December 4, 2024 Report |
| Priorities 1 & 2 | Quarter 1 Data Update | December 12, 2024 Information Item |
| Priorities 1 & 2 | Quarter 2 Data Update | February 27, 2025 Information Item |
| Priorities 1 & 2 | Quarter 3 Data Update | May 20, 2025 Information Item |
| All Priorities | Strategic Plan Annual Update | June 26, 2025 Report |
| Priorities 1 & 2 | Quarter 4 Data Update | Forthcoming Information Item |
Process Timeline
HCPSS Strategic Planning Surveys
August-September 2024
Via online survey, HCPSS stakeholders were provided the opportunity provide input about their values for the school system.
Community Meetings
September 2024
HCPSS students, families, staff and community members were invited to provide input about stakeholder values at a virtual meeting.
Strategic Plan Advisory Committee Launch
Fall 2024
HCPSS advertised for a general resident candidate for membership on the 2024-2025 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee. (Application now closed.)
Additional Feedback & Input
November-December 2024
HCPSS sought additional input on drafted components of the Strategic Plan from various stakeholders, including community groups, school system staff, and families.
Strategic Plan Update
January 30, 2025
Superintendent Bill Barnes shared the completed Strategic Plan at the Board of Education meeting Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
Public Feedback
Students, staff, family and community members had multiple opportunities and ways to provide feedback throughout the process. Input meetings, surveys, committees and other methods were used to inform the final strategic plan.
General feedback and/or questions may be emailed to StrategicPlan@hcpss.org.
Resources
Additional resources will be provided as they become available.