Mission

It is the mission of District 54 to ensure student success.

In District 54, we demonstrate commitment to our mission of “Ensuring Student Success” by supporting a culture of high expectations for both staff and students. The success our students continue to experience is the result of District 54’s strong collaborative culture as defined in the commitments made by our students, families, community members, Board of Education and employees. We pledge to sustain and grow this culture to achieve our goals.

Equity and Inclusion Vision Statement

In District 54, we will promote a culture of unconditional belonging in which all students, staff and community members will be treated with dignity. We will ensure high levels of access to resources, experiences and success. In District 54, we strive to ensure that all students, staff and community members are

  • Safe, welcome and cared for;
  • Heard, validated and supported; and
  • Represented in curriculum and staffing.

Goals

District 54 will ensure the success of the whole child
by providing comprehensive approaches and programming, grounded in the belief that each child deserves to be Healthy, Safe, Engaged, Supported and Challenged.

District 54 will perform in the top 10% of all schools
in reading and math growth and proficiency as measured by state and local assessments.

District 54 will close the achievement gap for ALL students in reading and math as measured by state and local assessments.

 

Strategic Plan

The 54 Promise is a multi-year strategic plan to guide District 54’s core work of ensuring whole-child student success. This document was the result of the collaborative efforts of the District 54 Strategic Planning Committee, which consisted of 72 participants representing teachers, support staff, administrators, parents and community members from across our system. The Strategic Planning Committee arrived at consensus around the 54 Promise through a series of informative meeting sessions where input from all stakeholders was solicited. The 54 Promise provides the entire District 54 community clarity around the key district goals and operating priorities that will drive our system ahead in the years to come.

Four Strategic Focus Areas

Priority Action Steps

  • Design high quality instructional lessons that engage, support and challenge all students.
  • Implement a Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum that ensures all students are healthy, safe, engaged and supported.
  • Engage staff and community in partnership opportunities focused on supporting the academic and social-emotional success of our students.

Priority Action Steps

  • Reconfigure and update existing learning spaces to align with a shared vision of 21st Century classrooms.
  • Implement an instructional technology plan that includes 1:1 digital connectivity for all students and technology integration that enhances the teaching and learning experiences provided.
  • Establish “Innovate 54 Teams” of teachers and administrators from each school who will work to deeply embed progressive pedagogical approaches and foster a culture of innovation across the District 54 community.

Priority Action Steps

  • Recruit and hire prospective employees who encompass the behaviors and attitudes aligned to the district mission.
  • Offer a comprehensive induction program for all new hires, while providing ongoing support and training through the District 54 mentoring program.
  • Utilize Professional Learning Communities and professional development for ongoing improvement of instructional practices and school culture.

Priority Action Steps

  • Maintain fiscal responsibility that ensures District 54 sustains long-term financial stability.
  • Develop a long-term facilities plan that ensures safety, accommodates for increasing enrollment and provides for 21st century learning modifications.
  • Provide competitive salaries and benefits that are fiscally responsible while recognizing the significant contributions our employees make to the district each and every day.