Following years of continued success, including consistent recognition as a district of distinction, Salida Schools is again seeking input from stakeholders to update the district strategic plan.

Regular review of the plan ensures Salida graduates are prepared to succeed in life and achieve their greatest potential after high school. After reviewing proposals from three different consulting firms, Onward Education Consultants was selected by the district’s board of education following a unanimous yes vote at the board meeting held in June. Onward will facilitate the strategic planning process, with a particular focus on what our community hopes the district can provide a Salida graduate to be successful in life.

The first phase will begin at the end of September and will include focus groups with parents, school staff and other interested stakeholders, to develop community themes and feedback. The team will then report back to the community to ensure they captured the critical themes, before developing a community committee to refine the direction of the process. The Board of Education expects a final presentation by February to support improvement planning for next year.

Focus groups and community meetings will be held in person. There will be at least one dedicated Zoom meeting, and other meetings could be shifted to remote if deemed necessary due to viral circumstances. The current Salida School District strategic plan, last revised in 2017, can be found at salidaschools.com under the About the District tab. With the addition of Colorado Mountain College to the Salida community and significant shifts in the world in recent years, it is time for a fresh look at how to best serve our students.

If you are interested in sharing your feedback or want to know more about the process, reach out to Kim LeTourneau at 719-530-5225 or kletourneau@salidaschools.org.