GIPS Launches Next Strategic Plan, ‘80. 90. 100: Empowering Student Success’
See video comments from Matt Fisher below.
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — The road map for the next five years in Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) will be anchored in student success.
At the October 9th Board of Education Meeting, GIPS Superintendent Matt Fisher presented the vision for the district’s next strategic plan. The plan, shared as an information item with the Board, is intended to serve as a guide for the school district from 2025-2029.
“80. 90. 100: Empowering Student Success” will be a dedicated Strategic Plan that seeks to bring together district staff, students, families, and the community to focus efforts on educating Grand Island’s students.
“One of the key considerations of this Strategic Plan was that it be simple and something everyone can understand.” Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, said. “We want our community to be able to say ‘80. 90. 100.’ We want our community to be able to think about how our students will be showing growth.”
The new GIPS Strategic Plan will maintain the district’s narrowed focus that has been adopted in the last couple of years.
The goals are simple to recall, “80. 90. 100.”
GOAL #1: 80% of our Kindergarten - 5th Grade students will show average or above average growth. 80% of our 9th - 12th Grade students will pass and meet standards in all classes.
GOAL #2: 90% of students will have a 95% attendance rate or higher.
GOAL #3: 100% of our students will have a plan for after High School.
Why “80. 90. 100.”?
By collectively focusing on student support and academic excellence, GIPS commits to continuing the work of providing students with 21st Century, real-world learning opportunities while supporting them with what they need to confidently meet (and exceed) academic expectations.
Sights are set on 80%, but we are pushing for higher.
The same may be said about attendance. Students learn best when they are at school. We need our students in school so we may continue empowering them for success.
By partnering with the community and families, GIPS is optimistic that the growing issue of chronic absenteeism may be tackled head-on through high-quality educational experiences, and a shared partnership in the message of “students may find a place to belong when at school.”
“Our goals are pretty lofty, but we know our students can achieve great success.” Fisher said. “What does life during school look like, and what will life beyond high school look like for our students? We want to ensure our students know they belong at school. We intend this Strategic Plan to be our driving force for all we do, and an opportunity for us to do this work together with our community.”
The vision is for students from Pre-School all the way through 12th Grade to “see” themselves in our schools; to know they belong, and to see the path of success ahead of them.
A goal of ensuring 100% of students have a plan for after High School starts from the first moment a student enters a GIPS school. Every student will develop durable skills, become confident problem solvers, and competent critical thinkers to be successful lifelong learners with a plan.
No matter where students go after high school, GIPS educators, administrators, support staff, families, and community will continue partnering as GIPS seeks to empower students to pursue their passion, and be equipped with the skills, traits, certifications, and experience needed to do so confidently.
So, where is GIPS today in relation to these goals?
Data snapshots of each goal, along with recent performance data, are available at the district website: www.gips.org/strategicplan.
Working hand-in-hand with the new “80. 90. 100: Empowering Student Success” Strategic Plan is a district commitment to reliable reporting on progress.
“We want our community and our families to know they may expect to hear from us throughout each year of our Strategic Plan.” Fisher said. “The best way for us to partner together in the education of our students is to invite our public to know what we’re doing, how we’re doing, and why we’re doing it. Each year we’ll provide updated reporting on each of our goals to help us along in our collective efforts of empowering our students for success.”
With the new GIPS Strategic Plan officially launched, the next steps are sharing the message and digging-deep to continue the vital work of public education.
“We have a lot to be proud of here at GIPS. We also have a vision for how we’ll continue to grow in our efforts of educating our students.” Fisher confirmed. “We want this plan to be simple and something that everyone can embrace. Let’s make it about good instruction and developing skills for our students that will enrich their lives.”
Comments from Superintendent Matt Fisher
Intro