Strategic Planning Facilitation
That Works
Case Study
From Mission Drift to Strategic Clarity
School: Horizon Academy (pseudonym)
The Situation
The school’s previous strategic plan had stalled—it was too broad, lacked clear ownership, and had no accountability structures in place. Trustees were unclear about their strategic roles and responsibilities and weren’t aligned on institutional priorities. Faculty and staff felt disconnected from the plan’s purpose, and the broader community hadn’t been meaningfully consulted or kept informed. As a result, the academy drifted from its mission and struggled to make meaningful progress.
TheLeaderNetwork Solution
We facilitated a six-month strategic planning process grounded in our VISTA Framework, designed to reignite leadership focus and align the entire school community around a shared path forward.
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Re-engaged the board by clarifying strategic roles and fostering alignment around mission, priorities, and governance responsibilities.
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Reinvigorated school leadership by helping them reconnect with purpose, streamline initiatives, and focus on what matters most.
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Engaged stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to ensure broad input and buy-in.
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Aligned all constituents around a unified vision and direction for the school’s future.
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Developed focused 1-year and 3-year roadmaps with clear priorities, immediate next steps, and built-in progress checkpoints to ensure follow-through and accountability.
Results
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Clear and cohesive strategic priorities aligned with the school’s mission, values, budget, and community resources.
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A shared accountability framework embraced by the board, leadership team, and staff.
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Renewed energy, purpose, and ownership across all constituencies—from trustees to faculty to families.