About > Governance > Strategic Plan

Background
Poughkeepsie Day School is a distinctive learning environment for children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with deep roots in progressive education. Founded in 1934 by educational innovators at Vassar College, the school has evolved beyond its origins as a one-room schoolhouse to become a three-division college preparatory institution with two buildings on a 34-acre campus. PDS is now at a significant crossroad in its history.

The process of developing the Strategic Plan began last fall. It included an intensive self-study of PDS by a broad cross section of the community and analyses of data from many sources. We were helped in this work by Triangle Associates of St. Louis. The plan boldly addresses issues that challenge our commitment to providing a unique education to a diverse population of students in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

What is the Strategic Plan?
Long-term strategic thinking and planning are required to provide the foundation for growth as PDS moves further into the 21st century. The Strategic Plan 2007-2010 marks the first stage of Vision 2020, a 13-year arc of detailed, sustainable growth for the school. It radiates from the heart of our mission to develop educated citizens with a passion for learning and living. It is guided in all its aspects by the mission, vision and values of the school.

The Strategic Plan identifies 19 goals in the following seven broad areas: Buildings and Grounds; Community; Educational Program; Enrollment and Marketing; Faculty, Staff and Administration; Finance and Development; and Governance. These goals address all facets of the school including commitments to diversity, sustainability, growth and an exceptional educational program. The Strategic Plan includes recommended implementation strategies, both short- and long-term, to meet each goal.

How do we implement these goals?
Stage One of the Strategic Plan defines implementation strategies for the years 2007 through 2010. It will be guided by a Strategic Planning Implementation Committee under the leadership and direction of the board president and the head of school. In June 2007 the Committee will convene task forces-their members drawn from the administration, staff, and faculty, board of trustees and parent body, as well as professionals in the greater community-for the seven areas addressed in the Plan. The Committee will work closely with all task forces to connect, and where possible integrate, ongoing efforts. Each task force will have a strategy for completing preliminary short-term goals with a time line and budget to enable measurable progress. The Committee will coordinate the work of each task force, track progress and report regularly to the board.

Strategic planning is a dynamic process. It requires discipline, agile thinking and routine review to take advantage of changing circumstances and allow for flexibility. The Strategic Plan will be reviewed at least annually and goals and implementation strategies assessed and revised as necessary. All goals, both short- and long-term, point toward completion of Vision 2020, and progress will be measured by that idealistic yardstick.

Our goals are ambitious. They will demand the attention, support, talent and commitment of the entire PDS community. We invite you to join us as we embark on this journey to fulfill the potential of Poughkeepsie Day School and provide our children, now and in the future, with a unique and valuable educational and life experience.

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