The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has established four strategic priorities that will guide district initiatives, decision-making, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the 2026-27 school year.

These priorities build upon the district's Strategic Plan and provide a focused roadmap for the year ahead. Together, they support our commitment to providing every student with an outstanding educational experience while strengthening our organization, supporting our employees, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and creating safe, inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.

Priority 1: Elevated Human Capital

A strong school system begins with strong people and strong systems. This priority focuses on strengthening the systems that recruit, support, develop, and retain exceptional staff while ensuring our organizational structure aligns with student needs and district priorities.

During the coming year, the district will focus on:

• Using data to strengthen workforce planning and staffing decisions.
• Improving human resources systems, processes, and employee supports.
• Developing a districtwide Teacher Effectiveness Guidebook aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Education expectations and the Danielson Framework.
• Supporting consistent instructional feedback, evaluation, and professional growth across all schools.

Priority 2: Integrated Academic and Social-Emotional Supports

Students are most successful when they receive the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to learn and grow. This priority brings together instructional excellence, student wellbeing, and continuous improvement by strengthening systems that help students succeed.

Key areas of focus include:

• Expanding and strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Continuing to enhance Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Strengthening academic intervention systems and instructional planning.
• Advancing curriculum development and instructional improvement.
• Continuing thoughtful implementation of artificial intelligence guidance and instructional technology.

Priority 3: Fiscal Responsibility

Responsible stewardship of district resources is essential to supporting students today while planning for the future.

During the 2026-27 school year, the district will focus on:

• Creating fiscal structural sustainability
• Aligning recurring expenditures with recurring revenues to reduce reliance on unassigned fund balance.
• Refining the district's capital improvement plan.
• Advancing planning for future high school renovations.
• Continuing to improve cleanliness of school facilities.
• Conducting a demographic study to help guide future elementary enrollment planning.

Priority 4: Safe and Inclusive School Environments

Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued. This priority focuses on strengthening inclusive educational practices while continuing to enhance school safety and emergency preparedness.

Key initiatives include:

• Expanding inclusive learning opportunities for students.
• Strengthening collaboration between general and special education.
• Increasing access to the least restrictive environment while ensuring students receive the individualized supports they need to succeed.
• Updating safety, crisis response, and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Continuing to implement trauma-invested practices that support both physical safety and emotional wellbeing.

Measuring Our Progress

Each strategic priority includes specific initiatives, timelines, and measurable outcomes that will guide implementation throughout the school year. District leadership will regularly monitor progress, evaluate results, and refine strategies as needed to ensure the work remains focused on improving outcomes for students.

The strategic priorities were developed through the district's ongoing strategic planning process in collaboration with the Board of School Directors and informed by district leadership and community input. They are designed to advance the long-term goals identified in the district's Strategic Plan while providing clear direction for the 2026-27 school year.

Learn More

To learn more about this work, please review the Superintendent's 2026-27 Goals or visit the district’s Strategic Plan webpage.

We also encourage families and community members to follow our progress throughout the year by attending Board of School Directors and committee meetings, where district leaders will provide regular updates on implementation and progress.