HCPSS Superintendent Launches New Strategic Plan

January 31st, 2025

On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent, Bill Barnes, presented the school system’s new strategic plan that will guide the system through 2029.

The plan was months in the making, guided by students, staff, families and community members who provided input and helped establish the shared values embraced by the Howard County community. This plan is reflective of those values and establishes the foundation so HCPSS may be great for every person.

The strategic plan, which can be found online, establishes the system’s vision and mission, elevates the shared values of the community, and details five primary priorities that will influence system work. Several associated measures will keep HCPSS accountable to the goals set forth in the plan and are a communication tool for sharing progress with the community.

“It is so important for our organization to develop, adopt, and commit to a strategic plan that will serve as a clear roadmap so we may achieve our short- and long-term goals through a shared vision,” said Superintendent Barnes. “This is not MY plan—this is OUR plan. It belongs to the Board, students, staff, parents and guardians, and community partners to accomplish everything this plan sets out to achieve.”

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we are excited for our system to strategically and cohesively align in a direction that will benefit students,” said Board of Education Chair Jolene Mosley. “The Board has embraced five core focus areas that will improve outcomes for students, and it is imperative that they were incorporated in the new strategic plan along with several necessary components to ensure we are creating foundational structures for every student to be successful.”

Through surveys, input sessions, interviews, personal engagements, and conversations, seven core values were prioritized by stakeholders as being the most important for the school system’s work. They are: belonging, equity, growth, reimagination, excellence, accountability, and teamwork.

The newly established HCPSS vision is a commitment to creating an environment where every student can thrive, both academically and personally. The vision states: We are a great school system that inspires growth, well-being, and excellence for all.

To achieve this vision, the mission states: HCPSS creates an innovative and accountable learning community where we expand opportunities and access, remove barriers, and foster an inclusive environment.

The plan also outlines five key priorities to achieve the mission. The first two priorities relate most specifically to the student experience.

• The first priority focuses on providing high-quality instruction for all students, making sure they have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.
• The second priority ensures all students have a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where their social and emotional needs are met.
• Priority number three uplifts the need for recruiting and supporting staff so they can thrive.
• The fourth priority makes sure the system is running effectively, and that funding and resources are being allocated to best support student needs.
• The final priority strengthens partnerships with families and the community.

“I want to thank the more than 12,000 students, staff, parents and guardians, and community members who helped establish our collective values and provide the necessary input to ensure this plan is reflective of our community and the outcomes we want for our students,” added Superintendent Barnes. “Ultimately, the strategic plan is reflective of our diverse community, and I am grateful for the partnership of those who participated.”

The entire strategic plan may be found on the HCPSS website, along with a video message from the superintendent that introduces the plan. HCPSS leaders will align the work of their teams to the priorities of the plan and leverage the values and vision to guide large-scale initiatives that set the direction of our system. All of this will be done with the goal of preparing students with the skills they need to be successful in life.

“Only when we have a collective commitment to all components of this plan, can we be a great school system for every student we serve,” concluded Superintendent Barnes. “This plan isn’t about hope or aspirations. It is deliberate and intentional to result in very specific outcomes for students and our system as a whole. Together, we will build a legacy of excellence that benefits generations to come.”