Alma Forward 2040
Strategic Planning Initiative
September 2023
In 2017, the Alma School District launched an initiative with staff called Alma Forward.
A school district staff task force was created with various subgroups. The main thrust of
the work was to “take a deep, intense look at where we are today, where we think we
need to be headed, and determine how to get there.” The charge to the group was “to
consider a number of issues, and develop philosophies, goals, plans, and objectives
that will guide the district through the next several years.”
The general framework provided at the beginning of the 2017 initiative was as follows:
Beliefs, Mission, Strategic Parameters, Measurable Objectives, and Strategies. An
Alma Forward document was presented to the staff after work was completed. This
work helped guide improvements in school programs at the time.
In late 2022 into 2023, this initiative was resurrected as Alma Forward 2040. The
objective is to expand feedback to include students, parents, school board members,
and community members as well as school faculty and staff. Feedback from various
surveys will be used to guide the strategic planning process for the future.
The year 2040 was chosen since most children born in 2022 and 2023 will graduate
high school around 2040. Continuous improvement must occur for our current student
population; however, preparations must be made for those students not yet in our
school system. How are we ready to help current and future students succeed for the
future in 2040 and beyond?
The categories that will be part of the plan include: Educators, Graduates/Learners,
Programs, Facilities, Technology, and Budget. Other categories may be added based
on any survey feedback. Another outcome of this work is the creation of a Portrait of an
Alma Graduate or Alma Learner. Alma High School has started discussions concerning
the Portrait of an Alma Graduate.
Alma Forward 2040 will be an on-going improvement effort to provide the best possible
educational services and experiences for our students and community. While we
recognize potential obstacles in making desired improvements, we embrace the
opportunities to create a better future for our students and community.