Parkway Local Schools is preparing to roll out a new strategic plan aimed at giving the district a clearer roadmap for the coming years. Superintendent Laura Young joined WCSM’s Spectrum to discuss the plan, which was developed with input from students, staff, administrators, school board members, parents and community members.

Young said the process included six or seven meetings, a community survey and group discussions centered around the district’s priorities. The plan is scheduled to go before the Parkway Board of Education for approval on October 14. Parkway will then introduce the plan to the community during its “Wake Up with the Panthers” community breakfast on Thursday, October 15 at 8:30 a.m. in the High School Commons.

The strategic plan is built around five goal areas:

- Commitment to Excellence

-Transparent, Two-Way Communication

- Community Investment

- Partnerships and Collaboration

- Mental Health and Support Systems

Young said one of the most important parts of the process was making sure the document does not simply sit on a shelf after it is completed.

She said the district plans to measure its progress and provide updates every six months to a year on how Parkway is doing in meeting the plan’s goals and action steps.

The district also updated its mission and vision statements. Parkway’s updated vision is, “Uniting Pride and Tradition in Every Student, Every Day.” Young said the statement is intended to emphasize that every student matters and that the district wants students to feel they are learning in a safe and caring environment. Communication is another major emphasis of the plan. Young said Parkway already communicates through a variety of platforms but heard during the planning process that families want information to be more timely, consistent and streamlined.

The district is currently working on an updated website and examining how information is distributed to families, particularly those with children in multiple grade levels.

Young said the goal is also to make communication genuinely two-way, with parents, students and community members able to provide feedback and receive timely responses.

Another goal focuses on increasing community involvement. Parkway has already started a parent organization called Prowl, and Young said the district wants to identify additional opportunities for parents, grandparents, retired educators and other community members to volunteer and become involved in the schools.

The plan also includes a significant focus on mental health and support systems. Young said staff have already received training on recognizing warning signs and understanding what steps to take when a student may need additional support. Parkway is also working with Dr. Wood from the University of Toledo on student screening and follow-up support, while working to make resources more accessible for both families and staff.

The “Wake Up with the Panthers” breakfast will be held Thursday, October 15 at 8:30 a.m. in the Parkway High School Commons. Young will provide an update on the district and introduce the strategic plan. Parkway FFA leadership students will also discuss their program and activities.

Residents interested in attending are asked to RSVP by contacting Parkway Local Schools.