Announcing Westside's New Strategic Plan

 

In April 2025, Westside unveiled our new strategic plan, which is designed to enhance our future, highlighting the primary areas we will focus on in the upcoming years. This document will act as our guiding framework. 

 

A core component of our strategy is our dedication to financial sustainability. We recognize that the future of our school relies on preserving and expanding our resources. By diversifying our revenue sources and seeking new opportunities, we will maintain fiscal responsibility and strategically direct our investments toward both immediate priorities and long-term goals. By collaborating with alumni and community leaders, we aim to reinforce our financial base, supporting our vision of academic excellence and inclusivity.

 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are central to our future. Every student should feel welcome and valued, regardless of socioeconomic background or identity. We will continue fostering an environment where students feel seen and safe while encouraging the exploration of diverse perspectives. Our school will continually assess our policies and practices to align with our DEIB goals, measuring progress through both qualitative and quantitative results to ensure meaningful change.

 

Another key component of our plan is enhancing our curriculum and programs. We are committed to offering a dynamic, challenging education that equips students with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our leadership team has already begun discussions focusing on updating the curriculum to reflect current best practices, ensuring accessibility for all learners, and integrating critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving into every discipline. We are also discussing how to best provide our families with information on how their students are performing on clear learning grade-level targets.  

 

Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff is a priority. We will invest in professional development, offer competitive compensation, and create a supportive work environment that fosters collaboration and growth. We know that retention goes beyond financial incentives; it’s about building a workplace where educators feel valued and empowered to succeed. 

 

Our school is deeply connected to the community. Expanding engagement with families, schools, alumni, local businesses, and organizations enhances our students' educational experience and strengthens our network of support. By fostering volunteerism, partnerships, and philanthropy, we will build stronger connections and ensure that families are active partners in their children's education.

 

Our strategic plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap designed to foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and successful school community. Preliminary discussions have already commenced with our leadership team. I am meeting with many of them weekly, and we are preparing to initiate strategic planning on my first official day, June 30th. I would like to express my appreciation to Steve de Beer, Rory Tipton, and the entire leadership team for working with me to shape this plan to ensure that Westside evolves into a place where every individual can flourish. This plan is not solely focused on the present; it is fundamentally about establishing a legacy of opportunity, equity, and academic excellence for future generations.

 

Written by Dr. Daryl Wright