Hemlock Public School District is launching the development of its next multi-year strategic plan, formally renewing its commitment to doing the work out in the open—with students, families, staff, and community members at the table every step of the way.
Rooted in the district’s “Pull the Sled” mindset, this strategic planning effort will outline clear priorities for teaching and learning, student wellness and support, facilities, technology, fiscal responsibility, and community partnerships. Just as importantly, it will define how progress will be measured and reported so stakeholders can see, in real time, how the district is honoring its commitments.
“Our community has trusted Hemlock Public School District to do what’s best for kids, and we take that trust seriously,” said Board of Education President Matthew Wesener. “This strategic planning process is about being open with our goals, honest about our challenges, and clear about how we will measure progress. Transparency and accountability are not slogans for us—they are the way we do business, and this plan will put that in writing for everyone to see.”
Over the coming months, the district will host a series of feedback opportunities designed to capture a wide range of voices—from preschool parents to retired grandparents, from classroom teachers to local business leaders. Stakeholder input will be gathered through:
Community engagement in the process via public facing work groups.
Staff and family engagement in the process via work groups and other opportunities.
Student voice via focus groups.
Public updates at Board of Education meetings and on the district website.
Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck noted that this new plan builds on Hemlock’s growing reputation for innovation and responsiveness and reflects the fourth reiteration of strategic plans dating back to 2013/2014 school year.
“We talk a lot about pulling the sled—about everyone leaning in and working together,” Dr. Killingbeck said. “This strategic plan like our previous three will be built out in the open, with our community at the table. People will be able to have a voice in the process. We may be a small town, but we intend to lead the way in how a school district communicates, collaborates, and is held accountable.”
Dr. Killingbeck added that the work will not be a one-time event, but a living framework:
“This isn’t a binder that sits on a shelf. It’s a roadmap we will keep coming back to—adjusting, refining, and reporting on—so our community can see that their input matters and that we are following through.”
A longtime community member who has closely followed district operations underscored the shift they’ve seen over time.
“I’ve watched this district for years, and what stands out now is the consistent track record of accountability and transparency,” the community member shared. “They keep opening the doors wider—sharing information, asking for feedback, and using what they hear to refine and improve the work they do for students and families. It feels less like ‘their plan’ and more like ‘our plan’ as a community.”
As part of the strategic planning process, the district will:
Gather input from students, families, staff, and community partners.
Review data in work groups—including things like academic outcomes, enrollment trends, and program effectiveness—to ensure decisions are grounded in evidence.
Share regular updates on the district website, through social media, and at Board of Education meetings so stakeholders can track progress in real time.
Develop clear, understandable goals with action steps and measures of success that can be easily communicated to and understood by the public.
“Our goal is simple,” Wesener added. “Anyone in this community should be able to understand where we’re going, why we’re going there, and how we’re doing along the way. When our stakeholders can see the plan and the progress, trust grows—and when trust grows, our students win.”
Details about upcoming engagement opportunities, including dates and formats for community sessions, will be shared through district communications in the weeks ahead. Community members are encouraged to participate, bring ideas, ask questions, and help shape what comes next for Hemlock students.
For more information, please contact the Hemlock Public School District Superintendent’s Office at 989-642-5282.