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Savannah Schools Seek Community Input for Strategic Plan

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 0:38 GMT by WTOC-TV
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

Savannah, GA - February 8th, 2026 - The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is embarking on a crucial process: the development of its next five-year strategic plan. With the current plan set to expire in June 2026, district leaders are proactively seeking input from families, staff, and the broader Savannah community to shape the future of public education in the region. This initiative underscores the district's commitment to collaborative governance and ensuring that its roadmap for success genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of those it serves.

Superintendent Dr. Erica McFadden emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "Our strategic plan serves as our roadmap for success. Your feedback is vital in ensuring we're headed in the right direction. We encourage all families and staff to participate in the survey and/or attend a public forum." This isn't merely a formality; Dr. McFadden and the school board recognize that a thriving school system is built on strong partnerships between educators, parents, and the community as a whole.

The planning process kicked off with the launch of a comprehensive online survey, accessible via the SCCPSS website ([ https://www.sccpss.com/strategicplan ]). The survey isn't a generic questionnaire; it's carefully crafted to gather specific insights into key areas deemed critical for student success and district-wide improvement. These focus areas include student achievement, family and community engagement, employee support, and operational excellence. Each category delves into nuanced aspects of the educational landscape, prompting respondents to consider what's working well, what needs improvement, and what innovative approaches might be worth exploring.

Beyond the Survey: Public Forums to Foster Dialogue

The online survey is just one facet of a broader engagement strategy. Recognizing that not everyone has easy access to the internet or prefers to share their thoughts in a digital format, SCCPSS has scheduled a series of public forums designed to facilitate open dialogue and allow for more direct interaction between district leaders and the community. These forums, held at various locations throughout the county, provide a convenient opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and learn more about the strategic planning process.

The initial schedule of public forums included events at Hesse Elementary School (January 16th), Windsor Forest Elementary School (January 18th), and the Armstrong Campus of Savannah State University (January 22nd). It's anticipated that, given the positive response, additional forums may be added to ensure maximum community reach.

Looking Ahead: Anticipated Priorities and Challenges

While the specific goals and objectives of the next strategic plan remain to be determined through the community engagement process, several key priorities are likely to take center stage. Addressing persistent achievement gaps remains a critical concern for SCCPSS, particularly in light of national trends and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on student learning. This may involve investments in targeted interventions, expanded access to tutoring and mentoring programs, and a renewed focus on early childhood education.

Family and community engagement is also expected to be a major focus. Schools are increasingly recognizing the importance of building strong relationships with parents and community organizations to support student success. This could include initiatives to improve communication, increase parental involvement in school activities, and leverage community resources to enhance learning opportunities. The success of these initiatives will rely heavily on fostering a sense of trust and collaboration between schools and the communities they serve.

Employee support is another crucial area. Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff is essential for providing a quality education. The strategic plan may address issues such as competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment. The teacher shortage currently affecting many school districts nationally necessitates proactive steps to ensure SCCPSS remains an employer of choice.

Finally, operational excellence - encompassing areas such as financial management, technology infrastructure, and transportation - will be vital to ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of educational services. This could involve streamlining processes, investing in new technologies, and improving communication systems.

The development of a robust and forward-thinking strategic plan is paramount for SCCPSS. It's a blueprint for ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and that the district remains a vital asset to the Savannah-Chatham County community. The current engagement effort represents a significant step towards achieving that goal, demonstrating a genuine commitment to listening to and learning from the voices that matter most.