Session #1 - Norms & Values November 11, 2025 | MJS Media Center, 6:30–8:30 PM
Hanover Township Schools has officially launched a community-wide strategic planning process to chart the district’s course for the next five years. On November 11, a diverse group of teachers, staff, parents, community members, and Board of Education representatives gathered at Memorial Junior School for the first Strategic Planning session—a collaborative evening focused on shared values, collective vision, and the future of learning in Hanover Township.
Setting the Stage for the Future
Facilitated by Kaitlin Jones and Tim Casperson from the Madison Institute for Educational Improvement, the session brought together nearly 30 participants representing every part of the school community—from classrooms and parent associations to district offices and board leadership. Mr. Toomey opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of openness, respect, and shared purpose in the planning process, noting that “we’re all here for the same reason—our students.”
The facilitators outlined the district’s eight-month planning timeline, which will culminate in a new Strategic Plan for 2026–2031. The plan will define the district’s mission, vision, and goals across five key pillars:
Members of the Core Team reviewed the results of the Community Input Survey, which identified the core values that residents, staff, and families believe define Hanover Township Schools. Among the most emphasized themes were transparency in leadership, collaboration across schools, equitable access to opportunities, and a strong commitment to student well-being and inclusion.
Through small-group discussions, participants shared how these values guide their day-to-day work and where new opportunities exist for growth. The evening’s dialogue highlighted the district’s collective pride in its close-knit community, high academic standards, and well-rounded programs in the arts, athletics, and service learning.
“What makes Hanover Township special,” one participant shared, “is that we care as much about character and connection as we do about test scores. We want our plan to reflect that balance.”
Establishing Norms and Collaboration
To ensure that future sessions remain focused and productive, the group agreed upon a set of working norms—commitments that include being honest about the current reality, prioritizing shared needs over personal agendas, and committing to consensus and accountability . These shared expectations will guide the planning team as it develops district goals and measurable action steps.
Looking Ahead
The session concluded with an activity to begin crafting an updated mission statement for Hanover Township Schools. Using collective input, participants identified key action verbs such as empower, inspire, foster, and engage—words that capture the district’s forward-looking spirit and commitment to student growth.
Over the coming months, the Strategic Planning Core Team will continue its work through additional sessions focused on data analysis, community feedback, and goal development. The next meeting will take place on December 11, 2025, and will focus on refining the district’s mission and vision statements.
Community Participation
All community members will have opportunities to provide feedback as the plan develops. Updates will be shared regularly through the district website, newsletters, and school communications.
