Strategic Plan 2025-2030

Our motto says it best: Excellence drives us, tradition unites us. This plan belongs to all of us. Together, we will continue to invest in our students, our schools, and our community. Thank you for your support as we launch this next chapter for Ozark Schools.
- Dr. Lori Wilson
The Findings
Summary
The Board of Education authorized the process of strategic planning for the future in December 2024. A strategic plan, also commonly known in Missouri as the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, requires innovative thinking, high levels of collaboration, ongoing emphasis on continuous improvement and alignment to MSIP 6, which contains the indicators and best practices school districts in Missouri are required to assure and submit to the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education.
The district partnered with The Quality Coach to facilitate the collaborative process designed to establish the strategic priorities for the future. The strategic planning process is designed to engage a wide array of stakeholders including parents, students, faculty, staff, leaders, civic, business and community partners. Participation may take many forms, as individuals engage in teams, survey response, board meetings, or focus groups associated with planning major initiatives. Stakeholders were asked to share their perspective regarding the attributes and skills students should acquire prior to graduation, district strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Additionally, team members were asked to prioritize the strengths in which to maximize, the weaknesses to overcome, the opportunities to take advantage of and the threat in which to overcome over the next five years. Surveys were also distributed to students and parents. Themes emerged throughout stakeholder participation as summarized below.
Themes Identified Districtwide:
- Strong support for real-world learning, especially at the junior high and high school levels, through programs like Academy Exploration, technical education, and dual credit/AP coursework. Would like to see an increase at elementary level.
- Ozark Innovation Center (OIC) is an area of pride, although concerns regarding some logistical elements.
- Early Childhood Education is highly valued in the school district and community.
- Dedicated and caring educators and staff who go above and beyond to support students academically and emotionally.
- Concerns about staffing needs and attracting and retaining employees.
- Tradition and strong relationships, with pride and eagerness to build upon and sustain this culture.
- Appreciation for communication efforts, such as regular emails, social media updates, and other communication that kept them informed and connected to school happenings.
- Need for academic intervention and high desire to meet the needs of every student, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. Some express the need for higher behavioral expectations and support.

Core Beliefs - In Ozark We Believe In:
- People First
- A Culture of Excellence
- Innovative Learning
- Strong Foundations
- Fostering Connections
- A Safe, Supportive Environment
- Community Partnerships
- Success for All
- Involvement Beyond The Classroom
People First
A Culture of Excellence
Innovative Learning
Strong Foundations
Fostering Connections
A Safe, Supportive Environment
Community Partnerships
Success for All
Involvement Beyond The Classroom
Motto, Mission & Vision
Motto
Mission
Vision
Our vision is to inspire innovation and excellence in education, empowering every student to reach their highest levels of achievement with confidence. We foster meaningful connections and strong collaboration among students, educators, families, and our broader community to create a safe, supportive and enriching learning environment. Through dedication and shared purpose, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for success in life.

Key Initiatives & Priority Areas
Each of these pillars includes priority areas — from early childhood readiness, to literacy and math mastery, to career preparation and leadership development. Together, they ensure that every student in Ozark Schools has the foundation, support, and opportunities they need.
Academic Excellence
We are committed to every student’s growth through strong curriculum, best practices, and targeted support. This includes early childhood programming, real-world learning experiences from PreK–12, business partnerships, and academic and behavioral interventions.
- Priority Area 1.1: Academic Growth for Every Student
- Priority Area 1.2: Real World/ Authentic Learning
- Priority Area 1.3: Early Childhood Programming
- Priority Area 1.4: Academic & Behavioral Interventions
Priority Area 1.1: Academic Growth for Every Student
Goal 1.1 A
Elevate academic rigor to ensure that students are challenged to reach higher levels of thinking, while also providing clarity so they know how to improve and advance to the next level as measured by at least 75% of students achieving mastery of the District's assessed Mathematics priority standards in grades PK-12, at least 75% mastery in reading/writing (ELA) in grades PK-7, 85% mastery of assessed ELA priority standards in grades 7-12, at least 75% mastery in science in grades PK - 12, at least 75% mastery in social studies in grades PK - 12, and 75% mastery in non-core classes in grades PK - 12.
Goal 1.1 B

Priority Area 1.2: Real World/ Authentic Learning

Goal 1.2 A
Goal 1.2 B
By the end of 2027-28, 80% of business and community partners surveyed will report Strongly Agree/Agree that the Ozark School District creates and maintains collaborative opportunities and relationships with local industry and community partners to create or maintain well-rounded educational opportunities for students
and educators.
Goal 1.2 C
Goal 1.2 D
Priority Area 1.3: Early Childhood Programming
Priority Area 1.4: Academic & Behavioral Interventions
Connections
We will strengthen relationships within our schools and community through collaboration and support. Clear, consistent communication and active parent engagement will ensure families and the community stay connected to student success.
- Priority Area 2.1: Quality Relationships
- Priority Area 2.2: Public Relations
- Priority Area 2.3: Communication Planning
Priority Area 2.1: Quality Relationships

Goal 2.1 A
Goal 2.1 B
Ozark Schools will encourage a supportive and inclusive learning environment by actively promoting positive interactions among students, encouraging open communication, and creating opportunities for collaboration, with the goal of strengthening peer relationships and building a sense of community within the school as evidenced by our climate and culture survey data.
Goal 2.1 C
Priority Area 2.2: Public Relations
Goal 2.2 A
Regular Recognition Across All Buildings: A cohesive, districtwide recognition initiative in which each school building regularly honors at least one student and one staff member. This program will represent all departments and grade levels, consistently promoting a positive and supportive culture among students, staff,
and families.
Goal 2.2 B

Priority Area 2.3: Communication Planning

Goal 2.3 A
Comprehensive Approach to Effective Communication: Develop a plan to foster a comprehensive culture of communication between parents, staff and students. This plan is not limited to only classroom communication, this will be a top-down approach to unify all communication between staff, parents, students and community.
Goal 2.3 B
Internal Communication Expectations Guide: An Internal & external district wide campaign will be created that informs families, students and staff on how to effectively communicate and use school resources and platforms which will reinforce the partnerships needed to effectively educate our Ozark students.
Operational Efficiency
We are focused on maintaining safe, secure schools through training, infrastructure, and transportation improvements. Careful planning around staffing, facilities, and resources will ensure we meet today’s needs while preparing for the future.
- Priority Area 3.1: Safety Infrastructure & Preparedness
- Priority Area 3.2: Staffing Analysis
- Priority Area 3.3: Facility Planning
Priority Area 3.1: Safety Infrastructure & Preparedness
Priority Area 3.2: Staffing Analysis
Priority Area 3.3: Facility Planning
Goal 3.3 A
Goal 3.3 B
Goal 3.3 C
Goal 3.3 D
Goal 3.3 E
Expand and enhance the Facility Walkthrough Process by establishing collaborative building teams, working alongside building principals, to assess areas of strength and identify areas for improvement in school facilities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and student-centered environments.

Leadership & Governance
We will attract and retain quality staff by fostering teamwork, professional growth, and a culture of unity. Through strong fiscal responsibility and ongoing monitoring of our CSIP, we will stay aligned with district goals and ensure excellence for all.
- Priority Area 4.1: Attract & Retain Quality Staff
- Priority Area 4.2: Teamwork, Culture of Support, Unity
- Priority Area 4.3: Fiscal Responsibilty
- Priority Area 4.4: Implementation & Monitoring of the CSIP
- Priority Area 4.5: Professional Development & Training











