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Session #3 - Gap Analysis

Session #3 - Gap Analysis
January 7, 2026 | MJS Media Center, 6:30–8:30 PM

The Strategic Planning Committee held its third session on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, continuing the district’s work toward a five year Strategic Plan. This session focused on gap analysis, using data to compare the district’s shared vision with current conditions.

Session Focus

The goal of the evening was to answer a central question. What is the difference between where the district is today and where it wants to be based on the emerging vision?

Reviewing the District Vision

The session opened with a review of the draft district vision across the five pillars: Safety and Wellness, Teaching and Learning, Leadership and Governance, Community and Culture, and Finance and Facilities. Committee members grounded their work in these statements to ensure alignment between values, outcomes, and future goals.

Session3-GapAnalysis-SuccessandOpportunities

Data Sources and Current Reality

Participants reviewed district data organized into three categories:

Student Learning. State testing results and internal assessments.

Stakeholder Perspectives. Student, staff, parent, and community surveys.

School Process. Curriculum, professional development, and budget information.

This shared data set provided a consistent foundation for discussion and analysis.

Dreams vs Reality Activity

Working in pillar based teams, committee members used the Dreams vs Reality template to compare vision statements to available data. Each group identified data showing progress, data indicating gaps, and additional data needed to deepen understanding.

This activity highlighted strengths across the district while also surfacing areas where experiences and outcomes are inconsistent.

Gap Analysis and Priority Areas

Teams reflected on their findings and used a highlighting protocol to identify three to five priority data points within each pillar. These priority gaps represent areas where focused effort would have the greatest impact.

Discussion emphasized patterns across schools and stakeholder groups rather than isolated data points.

Beginning Goal Conversations

The session concluded with a share out from each group. Participants discussed key gaps, opportunities for growth, and data still needed to support informed decision making. Early goal ideas were recorded to support the next phase of the planning process.

Looking Ahead

Future sessions will focus on translating identified gaps into clear district goals and measurable outcomes. The committee will work toward consensus and begin outlining multi year milestones aligned to the Strategic Plan timeline.  The team meets again in February.

Slide Deck

Key Themes from Session 3

  • Data alignment mattered. Participants focused on matching vision statements to clear evidence.

  • Consistency mattered. Gaps often appeared across schools, grades, or stakeholder groups.

  • Equity mattered. Teams looked for uneven experiences and outcomes within the district.

  • Clarity mattered. Clear definitions and shared understanding were needed before setting goals.

  • Prioritization mattered. The group emphasized narrowing focus to a small number of high impact gaps.

  • Evidence mattered. Decisions were grounded in surveys, assessments, and operational data.

  • Patterns mattered. The discussion centered on trends rather than isolated data points.

  • Readiness for goals mattered. The work set the foundation for goal writing in future sessions.

On gap analysis: “The data helps us see where we are strong and where our systems are not yet consistent. This work is about focusing our effort where it will matter most for students.”