Strategic Plan

Background

The new 10-year Strategic Plan is being developed by the Board of Directors in partnership with the community. In January and February 2025, more than 2,000 community members responded to our survey, helping frame the early direction of the plan.

The School Board adopted 10-year Strategic Plan Goals for 2025-2035 on March 27, 2025 and Strategic Plan Priority Benchmarks on May 8, 2025.

The plan is based on community feedback and the Board's belief that all students can achieve at their full potential through participation in an educational experience that is relevant, challenging and individualized. This educational experience shares such common values as safety, cultural respect and inclusiveness, equitable resources, access, and antiracism. 

This page will be updated as plan elements are added.

Developing the Plan

We surveyed more than 2,000 families, students, and community on what success looks like for graduates, adults, and the system as whole. We used their answers to frame our 10-year strategic goals. Here's what they said:

Graduates 

  • Critical Thinker 
  • Effective Communicator 
  • Resilient and Adaptable 
  • Lifelong Learner 
  • Collaborative Team Member 

Adults 

  • Ethical and Trustworthy 
  • Student-Centered Advocate 
  • Mentor and Coach 
  • Connected and Relatable 
  • Conflict Resolver 

Systems 

  • Effective Communication 
  • Student-Centered 
  • Safe and Supportive 
  • Collaborative Culture 
  • Accountability 
Grad

Goal 1: Academic Achievement

Students are ready to learn, and teachers are prepared and resourced to teach them. Students have equitable access to preschool programs and academic and elective programs throughout elementary and secondary schools that challenge, engage and develop them.  Staff create real world connections that relate to student interests. Students graduate with skills, experience and knowledge that prepare them for life after high school.   

Beyond the Bell

Goal 2: Partnership & Participation 

Tacoma Public Schools creates an ecosystem where community shows up for our students. Families are valued, informed and supported as key partners in their student’s education. Students are engaged in a broad range of extra-curricular activities. Community partners and organizations provide opportunities and experiences to students that keep them engaged, safe and healthy before, during and after school. We develop and nurture partnerships that benefit the entire community.    

Lunch Buddies

Goal 3: Safe & Supported

We think holistically about the needs of all people within our ecosystem. We create spaces where students and staff are safe, supported, and valued. Student voice is valued in decision making. Students have the support they need; access to food, transportation, and caring adults to navigate the school system. Students are able to identify a trusted adult. Staff are ethical and trustworthy, creating a culture of accountability. We share our spaces with community partners, organizations and neighbors.   

Our Mission:
What we do

In partnership with parents and community, we will provide a comprehensive educational experience that is rigorous, individualized and enables students to contribute to a changing and diverse world.

Our Vision:
What we want to be

We will be an outstanding school district in which all students exhibit high standards of achievement and critical thinking skills, and are socially responsible, contributing members of their community.