Strategic Planning Meeting Notes
Meeting 1: September 17, 2026
CCSD 46’s Strategic Planning Team held its first meeting on September 17, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, Board members, and community members. The team will meet six times throughout the fall semester to develop a new strategic plan to guide the district’s priorities and direction for the next five years.
Because building relationships and trust among team members is an important part of a successful strategic planning process, considerable time was devoted to introductions and getting to know one another. Each team member had an opportunity to introduce themselves, share their connection to CCSD 46, and begin building relationships with others on the team. The group also reviewed the strategic planning process and discussed the work to be done over the six meetings.
Team members then reviewed high-level results from more than 2,000 survey responses received from school and community stakeholders. The survey data provided the team with an initial look at stakeholder perceptions of the district, including areas of strength, opportunities for growth, and priorities for the future. The team will continue to use stakeholder feedback throughout the planning process to help ensure the resulting strategic plan reflects the perspectives and aspirations of the broader CCSD 46 community.
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring representatives from higher education and a variety of workforce fields. Panelists shared their perspectives on the skills and qualities students will need to be successful in college, the workforce, and life. The discussion emphasized the importance of skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, self-discovery, and a willingness to continue learning. Panelists also discussed the importance of experiencing setbacks, learning from failure, and developing the resilience to adapt and move forward. Team members reflected on the panel discussion and considered how these perspectives should influence the district’s vision for its students and its future.
The team also began its initial work on the district’s mission and vision statements. Team members reviewed the current statements and identified words and phrases that resonated most strongly with them. This activity provided an opportunity to reflect on what remains important in the district’s current mission and vision and to begin considering how these statements might evolve to reflect the district’s future aspirations.
Over the remaining five meetings, team members will build upon these initial conversations as they develop the mission, vision, goals, and priorities that will form CCSD 46’s new strategic plan.
Download the Strategic Planning Presentation: September 17, 2026
Or view the slides below.
PROGRESS TRACKER
PHASE 1: Listening & Learning <<< We are here
PHASE 2: Data Analysis & Themes
PHASE 3: Goal Drafting & Strategy Development – The committee is synthesizing findings into our core pillars
PHASE 4: Community Review & Refinement
PHASE 5: Board Approval & Launch
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dr. Alfonso Carmona
Superintendent
email: [email protected] | 847-543-5322
Have any questions or want to provide feedback to the team? Use our Questions and Feedback form linked below. This information will be shared with the public, but we will not share any personal information. This form will close on November 2nd, to allow the team time to complete their work.