Strategic Plan: Our Vision

In 2004, the Pleasanton Unified School District went through the process to create a new Strategic Plan. The committee formed for this task did extensive research, took a "look into the future," and identified seven areas that were felt to be vital for the success of our students. These included Student Achievement, Innovation and Creativity, Interpersonal Communication, Global Orientation, Personal Development, Environmental Awareness, and Lifetime Planning.

In order to implement this new plan, seven "advisory committees" were formed--one for each of the seven major points of the plan. Community members, parents, and staff are invited to join one of these committees, along with anyone who has an interest in one of the areas of the plan. Advisory committees typically meet once a month and are tasked with evaluating what the "students will" statements mean for the future direction of the district, identifying recommended goals and resources, and assessing progress toward those goals.

Links to additional information about each committee, the time and location of their next scheduled meeting, along with a contact name, e-mail address, and phone number follow below. Please consider joining the District in "Building on the Past . . . Planning for the Future."

Our Vision

The mission of the Pleasanton Unified School District, a vital component of a historic yet forward-looking community, is to educate each of its students in an individually appropriate manner within an environment of personal safety and mutual respect, to become well-informed, productive and socially responsible citizens.

Building on the Past … Planning for the Future
The Pleasanton Unified School District is dedicated to the goal of having its students fulfill rigorous academic standards in preparation for future success, so that they can become well-informed, productive, and socially responsible citizens. We believe that the District must address the needs of each student as an individual while also developing strong partnerships with families, businesses, and the community at large. The District will act upon the principles that timely and effective communication is a necessity and that accountability is essential.

The Pleasanton Unified School District is recognized as one of the outstanding school districts in California. We believe that the future success of our students depends on the continuation of our already-established principles, policies, and programs. However, the future holds new challenges that call for a fresh vision. To provide our students with the greatest opportunities for success, we have identified the following historical trends that we expect will have a strong bearing on our students’ future; we have also indicated preparation our students will receive to live in a future shaped by these trends.

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Major Goals Related to our Strategic Plan

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

1. Review post-grad and high school graduate exit survey data and recommend next steps based upon student responses.

2. Evaluate current early intervention practices in the District and provide additional assessment/interventions where necessary.

3. Implement strategies that ensure that learning activities are engaging and/or relevant.

INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY

1. Continue to develop programs, clubs (i.e. robotics, service clubs) and or classes that encourage students to explore interests and passions in all disciplines.

2. Collaborate with the business community to provide opportunities for students to address real world problems.

3. Promote the inclusion of innovation and creativity within a standards based curriculum.

4. Integrate the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards across the curriculum.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

1. Pilot and implement a web-based "portal" to facilitate communication with students and parents.

2. Develop expectations and supporting strategies for dealing with difficult conversations safely and respectfully.

GLOBAL ORIENTATION

1. Increase the diversity of district staff in all positions so that it reflects the diversity of the community.

2. Promote a supportive environment for cultural diversity.

3. Provide staff development that helps combat stereotypes and informs about how language, culture and diversity play out in the acquisition of knowledge.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. The schools re-engage students, staff, parents and school district departments in modeling, teaching, and celebrating the “expected behaviors” both within and beyond the academic curriculum in order to promote the formation of good character.

2. Promote ethical behavior on a personal level to encourage students to be advocates for themselves and others.

3. Expand the use of student Personal e-Plans, and encourage students to take responsibility for their future success.

4. Communicate guidelines of etiquette so that students will be aware of and demonstrate proper behaviors in a variety of situations.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

1. Expand the Environmental Awareness Web Page.

2. Provide opportunities for students to apply the skills and concepts learned in the classroom as they improve their communities with real-world applications.

LIFETIME PLANNING

1. Promote the understanding and the implementation of programs that support Coordinated School Health.

2. Participate as stakeholders in the development of programs that implement recommendations developed from data taken from the Tri-Valley Adolescent Health Initiative Survey and the California Healthy Kids Survey.

3. Expand the development and implementation of programs to improve student financial literacy.

4. Introduce the District's Wellness Policy and Regulations through various communication forums to ensure awareness and understanding of the purpose and intent of the policy.

5. Develop and implement strategies designed to increase physical activity opportunities for students and staff.

Major Goals of a General Nature

1. Broaden committee membership to ensure that all strategic goal areas are represented and establish a structure to integrate the efforts of the seven strategic plan elements.

2. Implement and analyze an Education Funding Measure (Parcel Tax) Feasibility Study.

3. Promote culture of professionalism and accountability across the organization.

4. Establish a support system to assist staff in successfully coping with individuals exhibiting severe social/emotional behavioral disorders.

5. Provide programs that ensure every student connects with an adult on campus at middle/high schools.

6. Establish a policy to address fiscal accountability and appropriate reserve levels.

7. Implement a full complement of strategies to attract, support, and retain the best and brightest professional staff.

Focus Areas – Board of Trustees and City Council Liaison Committee

• Youth Services
• School and Community Safety
• Transportation
• Character Education – Personal Expectations of Behavior
• Joint Facilities, Operations and Programs
• City’s General Plan

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