Moving Beyond Traditional Strategic Planning

A Unique Approach to School and District Transformation

Are you in the process of developing a strategic or improvement plan for your school or district? Why settle for a one-size-fits-all solution when you need a plan that’s tailored to your unique context?

The Schlechty Center’s Strategic Change Agenda offers a fresh approach, transforming traditional strategic planning into an active, actionable, nimble process that maps a customized path for positive change.

“Rather than giving you a generic playbook, we work alongside your team to co-create a strategic change agenda that aligns with your specific goals and context.”

At its core, the Strategic Change Agenda is a dynamic, guided thinking process that keeps students—your primary stakeholders—at the center. It aligns with accountability systems rooted in trust and fosters the growth of true learning organizations, empowering schools and districts to create a bold, forward-thinking vision for the future.

The foundation of our approach is built on the principles of engagement, leadership, and continuous learning, drawing on the insights and frameworks developed by our founder, Dr. Phillip C. Schlechty. With over 37 years of experience transforming school systems, we know that true change requires more than a plan; it requires a deep understanding of your system’s current capacity and a roadmap for growth.

Our Process

Are you establishing a new strategic direction or supporting an existing plan? Either way, the Discovery Phase is where we start—gathering both hard data and insights from your community, staff, and students to build a comprehensive picture of your district’s current state. We go a step further with a System Capacity Audit, assessing your district’s capacity to support and sustain strategic change over time. The result is a clear, aspirational vision of the future, grounded in the realities of where you are today. 

What sets us apart is customization. Every district is unique, and every plan we create reflects that. Rather than giving you a generic playbook, we work alongside your team to co-create a strategic change agenda that aligns with your specific goals and context. Once that framework is in place, the tactical and operational planning is in your hands—supported by your leadership team. If you need additional assistance, we’re here to help.

Communicating Your Plan

To ensure your strategic plan resonates beyond the boardroom, we’ve partnered with Allerton Hill Communications. If you choose to engage their services, their expertise can ensure your plan isn’t just effective but visually compelling and clearly communicated to your community and stakeholders.

Why the Strategic Change Agenda Is Different 

  • We begin by understanding your needs, goals, and budget—then adapt our process to match your unique context. 

  • We place responsibility for the plan in the hands of those who know your school or district best—your leadership team. 

  • We focus on strengthening your system’s capacity to execute your vision. We don’t just create operational plans; we ensure they are practical, actionable, and aligned with your goals.

  • Leaders and administrators will spend less time managing competing initiatives and more time building capacity, providing targeted support, and ensuring alignment across all efforts.

Final Product Examples

Click image for each district to access their Strategic Change Agenda.

It’s time to move beyond traditional strategic planning. Let’s work together to build the capacity to drive your district forward—into a successful, sustainable future.