Strategic Plan Update

SOESD is pleased to provide this Strategic Plan Mid-year Report that highlights our work in the various strategic drivers:

• Equity
• District and Community Partnerships
• Collaboration and Information Sharing
• Programs and Services
• Educator Workforce Development
• Data Tracking

Highlights of the strategic plan implementation that have already been accomplished include:

• Engaged in a thoughtful organizational redesign of Special Education Services as part of the new Student Services department
• Expanded the Student Behavioral Health and Wellness program
• Expanded services to help districts with crisis management, including Cybersecurity and a new Flight Response Team
• Expanded the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program
• Provided newly designed New Teacher Training model and expanded Mentoring with a tiered support model offering a continuum of services for as little and as much support as desired
• Added new Teachers and Educational Assistants to expand the STEPS Plus Program, increasing access and services for students
• Expanded Data systems support by preparing the launch of:
  • Student Connect information platform regarding students served and services provided
  • Online LSP Portal with regularly updated financial allocation, service selection, and balance reports
  • Seventh Edition of the Oregon Project for preschool children who are blind or visually impaired (The OR Project)

Plan Development

The strategic plan development began in September 2022 by conducting a survey of ESDs across Oregon regarding the processes and facilitators used for strategic and equity planning. After compiling a list from ESDs, OAESD, COSA, and other sources of potential strategic planning facilitators, a consultant was selected through an interview process.

A comprehensive plan was then developed for seeking input from constituents:

• SOESD board, administrative team, and employees
• Component districts’ superintendents, business, curriculum, human resources, information technology, special education directors, and school improvement administrators
• Families of students attending SOESD Special Education classrooms
• Families of students attending SOESD Migrant Education and Indian Education programs
• Focus surveys sent by component districts to their staff and families.

Prior to launching surveys and a variety of facilitated in-person and online feedback sessions, SOESD’s cabinet met with the cabinets of component districts to gather feedback that informed the planning. Based on initial input from these meetings, focus surveys were developed and administered by component districts to their staff and families regarding three core areas: Career Technical Education (CTE), Southern Oregon Regional Educator Network (SOREN), and Special Education. Formal surveys, meetings, and facilitated input sessions were conducted based on questions that emerged around the themes of equity, customer and employee experiences, programs and services, and workforce development.

Launching the Strategic Plan

With the strategic drivers in place SOESD immediately began working on a number of projects and programs over last summer and during the first half of this past year.

“This school year we will focus on implementing strategic priorities, with improved and re-aligned services, while continuing to strengthen our successful programs and initiatives,“ remarked SOESD Superintendent Scott Beveridge when launching the plan with staff at the fall SOESD agency-wide in-service.  “I am excited to work alongside our staff, school districts and other partners to serve and support the children, students, families, and educators across our region.”

Click the button below for the complete update in the SOESD Strategic Plan Mid-year Report.