Strategic Planning
Our Journey
From a single preschool class in 1952 to one of the largest Episcopal parish schools in the nation today, St. Francis Episcopal School has flourished over the years with a foundation of faith and an eye toward the future.
After successfully completing phase one of our capital campaign and opening the doors to our brand new Upper School, we are at an exciting time in our school’s history. A thoughtful path forward will benefit the school for years to come.
To that end, we have begun our strategic planning process to shape the vision of our school’s long-term future. Guided by outside counsel, we surveyed our school’s constituents—faculty, staff, board members, parents, and students—and spoke with nearly 200 members of the St. Francis community. Their thoughtful input, garnered along several days of facilitated retreats, will guide us through the planning process.
Our strategic planning committees held their first meetings in October and will continue to work through spring. We are grateful to the individuals sharing their time and to our community for their commitment to the future of St. Francis.
Please continue to check back as we will update this page with the latest news and developments.
SWOT Analysis
During our initial SWOT analysis, constituents were asked to identify the school’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The resulting data provides insight along with an initial framework for strategic planning.
Strengths
What are our unique attributes that add value? What do we do better than anyone else?
Weaknesses
What processes, products, or services could be improved?
Opportunities
What are some potential challenges that we can proactively address?
Threats
Where can we make changes or additions to maximize potential?
Strategic Planning Committee 2018-19
| Kate Denham Vice Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Strategic Planning Committee |
| Michelle Smith Head of Marketing and Communications, Vice-Chair Strategic Planning Committee |
| Kelli Calderwood Primary School Parent |
| Connor Cook Head of Middle School |
| Marjorie Dale Lower School Parent |
| Steve Eisenberg Head of Technology |
| Cara Henderson Head of Upper School |
| John Madden Upper School Teacher |
| Kenny Owen Board of Trustees |
| T. Riley Director of Athletics |
| Andrea Vogelsang Parent Group Representative |
| Curt Wissmiller Director of Facilities |
| Steve Lovejoy Head of School |
|
Fr. Stuart Bates |
| Carol Christ Head of Lower School |
| Melissa Cook Lower School Teacher |
| Justin Doran Chair of Fine Arts |
| Angie Flowers Head of Curriculum and Instruction |
| Don Hicks Associate Head of School for Programs |
| Kim Manning Middle School Parent |
| Janene Owens Primary School Teacher |
| Steven Scales Interim Head of Admissions |
| Amy Whitley Head of Primary School |
| Robby Zorich Primary School Parent |
| Joel Moore Chair, Board of Trustees |
| Sapna Amin Lower School Parent |
| Kelly Cliburn Head of Development |
| Laurie Curtis Head of Student Support Services |
| Molly Edington Middle School Teacher |
| Chris Graeter, ’95 Alumni Representative |
| Billy Iglesias Middle School Parent |
| JJ Oshins Board of Trustees |
| Lacy Rieke Board of Trustees |
| Mitra Shahbaz Chief Financial Officer |
Timeline of Events
May 2018
Surveys were distributed to constituent groups, including—faculty, staff, board members, parents, and students—results were compiled and high-level themes identified. Additional data analysis was performed, evaluating peer group institutions, policies, and practices.
September 2018
Initial visit with focus group constituents—over 200 conversations took place. Collaborative sessions were facilitated by outside counsel and day long committee work meetings identified overarching themes.
October 2018
Comprehensive review of all data takes place. Committee and school administration continues synchronizing data and identifying opportunities.
November 2018
Visit two takes place. Fine tuning the scope of a potential plan and priorities.
December 2018
Committee works to prepare priorities for community review.
Early 2019
Summary of draft strategic initiatives distributed to community for feedback. Constituents and committee continue to prepare.
Spring 2019
Public announcement and release of strategic plan.