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Gloria Willis Middle School

November 11, 2025

KCKPS Launches Roadmap to the North Star Strategic Plan

A circular blue and white logo features a road leading toward a graduation cap in front of a yellow star, with the text 'ROADMAP TO THE NORTH STAR'.

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is charting a new course for the future with the development of its next five-year strategic plan, titled Roadmap to the North Star (2026–2031).

This comprehensive plan will serve as the district’s guiding document to improve outcomes for all students and strengthen collaboration across schools and the community.

At the heart of this plan is the district’s North Star Goal:

By 2031, 100% of students will graduate with a Diploma+ endorsement, with no disparities in race or gender subgroups while meeting or exceeding the state’s average graduation rate. 

The Roadmap to the North Star will outline clear, measurable steps to help KCKPS reach this goal by aligning priorities, uniting departments, and ensuring accountability at every level. It builds upon progress already made toward improving graduation rates and Diploma+ achievement while focusing deeply on closing racial and gender gaps in student outcomes.

“Knowing our destination is important, but having a plan for how to get there is what ensures success,” said Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield. “This roadmap will help us stay focused, coordinated, and accountable as we continue to move forward—together—for our students.”

A Comprehensive Plan for the Future

Unlike the district’s current Strategic Framework, which outlines broad goals and focus areas, the Roadmap to the North Star will include specific department action plans, measurable outcomes, and clear timelines for implementation. The plan will focus on four key improvement areas: Belonging, Consistency, Coherence, and Customer Service—all grounded in the district’s ongoing commitment to being Better Every Day.

Your Voice Matters

The first step in developing the Roadmap to the North Star is gathering input from across the community. KCKPS is asking students, families, staff, and community members to complete a Strategic Planning Survey, open through December 10. The survey invites participants to share their ideas on what students should learn before graduation, what the district does well, and what could be improved.

Join the Planning Teams

Later this month, the district will open applications and nominations for two groups that will play key roles in shaping the plan:

  • The Strategic Planning Steering Committee, consisting of approximately 30–35 members, will represent a cross-section of the KCKPS community, including families, students, staff, PTA groups, business and city leaders, and other partners. The committee will establish the major themes and goals for the plan.
  • The Action Planning Teams, made up of 20–30 members each, will develop the strategies and initiatives that bring those goals to life.

“This process is built around community voice,” said Dr. Stubblefield. “Our students’ success is a shared journey, and we need the perspectives of everyone in KCK—families, educators, students, and partners—to guide us along the way.”

What’s Next

Community feedback will inform the work of the Steering Committee and Action Planning Teams beginning in February 2026. The completed Roadmap to the North Star will be presented to the Board of Education for adoption in August 2026.

Get Involved

Take a few minutes to share your ideas for the future of KCKPS: