CORE MISSION AND DEMOGRAPHICS Stafford County Schools operates on a significant scale, comprising 35 schools and programs, including seventeen elementary schools, eight middle schools, and five high schools. The population is remarkably diverse, with students representing 121 countries and speaking over 116 languages. Guiding this expansive and growing operation is a concise, action-oriented mission. “Each and every day we inspire and empower every student,” Smith states, outlining a goal to maximize every child’s potential and prepare them to excel on whatever path they choose. This mission is underpinned by six core values that function as the district’s strategic operating principles.“First and foremost our students, keeping our students at the front and center of our work,” Smith details, “making sure that we do that with integrity, with respect, providing opportunities and access. Making sure that we involve our community and develop that sense of community also with excellence.” These are not merely aspirational but are designed to be reflected in the daily work and outwardfacing partnerships of the district, creating a direct link between its internal culture and the broader community it serves. COMMUNITY AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER The district’s strategic direction is deeply interwoven with the needs of its regional economy. Smith maintains a direct pipeline to the community through a Superintendent’s Community Advisory Group, which he meets with regularly. “Last meeting this month we had 44 folks attend,” he notes, describing the group as “key leaders in our community” from faith, business, and civic sectors who want an active role in the school system.This is complemented by a robust network of over 200 active partnerships renewed annually to ensure mutual value.“We’re both seeing value in the partnership and able to support each other,” Smith adds. The most tangible output of this collaboration is the development of career-focused Specialty Centers. These centers, housed within existing high schools, are a direct strategic response to local workforce demands. “This really is tied to our strategic plan that every student will be successful in the postsecondary path they choose,” Smith explains. “So regardless if they choose to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or go directly into the workforce, we want them to be prepared.” The process is data-driven and collaborative, involving community surveys, state and national economic development data, and chamber input. The result is a set of centers focused on high-need fields such as Business and Information Technology, 327 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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