At the latest Strategic Plan update, Kent School District shared key progress across each of the four district goals, highlighting completed milestones as well as ongoing work scheduled through winter 2026. The update reflects KSD’s commitment to systemwide coherence, equitable student experiences, strong community partnerships, and a supportive learning and working environment across OneKSD.
Goal 1: Empowered Learners
Initiatives In Progress
Instructional Leadership
KSD leaders continue to participate in Instructional Leadership Academy walks aligned with School Improvement Plan (SIP) strategies. Schools will share updated progress in winter 2026.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Schools are progress-monitoring using the MTSS rubric, while the district simultaneously develops the MTSS module in Qmlativ. A winter 2026 pilot will inform Year 2 planning with a focus on building consistency across schools.
STEM City of Kent
KSD is coordinating career speakers, worksite tours, and the Future in Flight Expo with 26 industry partners. Recruitment for AJAC youth apprenticeships and expansion of work-based learning opportunities is underway, with student engagement efforts launching in winter 2026.
Completed Initiatives
K–12 Literacy
The district successfully completed early implementation of intentional vocabulary instruction and CKLA integration this summer. This work strengthened literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading through teacher training, curriculum alignment, and benchmark development.
Mathematics
The Math Landscape Analysis met its success criteria through curriculum rollout, professional learning, and standardized practices aligned with Building Thinking Classrooms. Benchmark data now guides ongoing training and future implementation planning.
Goal 2: Thriving Staff and Students
Initiatives In Progress
KSD has established student leadership and advisory structures and is collaborating with regional partners to finalize the new Student Voice Policy. The Student Voice Toolkit Hub and Student Voice Team are set to launch in winter 2026, providing structures for authentic, districtwide student input and collaboration.
Completed Initiatives
Mental Health Partnership Evaluation
The district developed clear definitions, rubrics, and evaluation processes to ensure high-impact, sustainable mental health partnerships. The evaluation was piloted with Hazel Health, and documentation has been created to support future partnership reviews.
This includes the Community Partnerships Evaluation Rubric and related process materials.
Goal 3: Connected and Supported Schools
Initiatives In Progress
Sports and ASB Participation
KSD completed a landscape analysis, identified gaps, and reviewed participation data. The district is now developing communication strategies to increase student engagement in athletics and activities. In winter 2026, KSD will implement accountability structures and begin activity tracking through Final Forms.
Completed Initiatives
School Supply Availability
KSD met success criteria by ensuring every student had core school supplies on the first day of school for the 2025–26 year. Standardized supply lists, strong community partnerships, and streamlined distribution made this systemwide effort possible.
Goal 4: Inclusive and Engaged Community
Initiatives In Progress
Affinity-Based Opportunities
KSD launched a safe, supportive Affinity Groups Hub on StaffLink, which includes the first subsite—the Kent Educators of Color Network (KEoCN). These spaces promote BIPOC representation, staff leadership, and community connection. Additional affinity groups will be added as the hub expands.
Completed Initiatives
Inclusive Spaces
The district met success criteria by establishing a shared definition of “inclusive space,” creating staff resources, and developing a certification framework. Year 1 foundational tools—including the Inclusive Spaces Resources Guide and Site Visit Focus Group Protocol Template—are complete, with districtwide scaling planned for Year 2.
Looking Ahead
KSD’s Strategic Plan continues to guide student-centered, equity-driven, and community-focused work across OneKSD. With multiple initiatives moving into significant implementation stages by winter 2026, the district remains committed to transparency, progress monitoring, and ensuring every student and staff member feels supported and able to thrive.