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Henrico County Public Schools

Strategic Plan - Strategic Focus Areas and Goals

Strategic Focus Areas and Goals

HCPS is committed to providing every student with the resources, support and opportunities needed to achieve their personal goals. To ensure continuous improvement, we have identified four key strategic focus areas that guide our efforts. These focus areas strengthen academic achievement, create safe and engaging learning environments, support well-being and attract and retain employees. By focusing on these critical areas, we ensure that students receive high-quality instruction, schools remain welcoming and innovative spaces and staff members feel valued and supported.

A banner with the text "Strategic Focus Area and Goals" features a target with a dart hitting the bullseye.

All students will engage in rigorous and meaningful learning experiences to build character and develop knowledge, citizenship, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creative thinking skills.

  • Why this matters: Students must be prepared for a rapidly changing world. By providing equitable access to high-quality instruction, HCPS ensures that all students develop the skills needed to navigate complex challenges, innovate in their fields, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

Action Steps: Academic achievement

  • Design, deliver and assess high-quality, rigorous instruction.
  • Provide authentic and connected learning opportunities that support personal learning goals.

All students and staff will learn and work in safe, welcoming and innovative spaces.

  • Why this matters: Students learn best when they feel safe, valued and supported. Investing in school safety, well-maintained buildings, modern technology, and collaborative spaces creates a secure and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Action Steps: Learning environment

  • Prioritize safety solutions to support a secure and safe learning environment.
  • Integrate innovative technologies to protect, enhance, and support teaching and learning.
  • Reimagine learning spaces to address accessibility needs, foster collaboration, and enhance instruction.
  • Ensure that facilities are consistently maintained providing a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
  • Build awareness of school safety and technology resources among students, families, employees and the larger Henrico community.

All students and staff will be provided the opportunity to engage in support and services designed to address physical, social, emotional and mental health.

  • Why this matters: A student’s ability to learn and a staff member’s ability to perform their role effectively depend on their overall well-being. By addressing physical and emotional health challenges and providing strong social support, we ensure that students can fully engage in their education and staff have the resources they need to excel in their work.

Action Steps: Physical, social, emotional and mental health

  • Implement a full range of social, emotional and mental health services and supports.
  • Enhance services that support and promote physical health and well-being.
  • Promote a culture of belonging that is responsive and equitable for all students, faculty/staff, families/caregivers, and community stakeholders.
  • Organize resources and services in a clear structure that identifies and adjusts levels of support based on students’ evolving behavioral and nonacademic needs.

Recruit, engage, retain and reward staff
All students will benefit from the support and expertise of staff who are valued as professionals, recognized for their contributions and well compensated for their work.

  • Why this matters: A strong and supported workforce is essential to student success. When employees feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to stay long-term, fostering a positive and stable environment for students, staff and the entire school community.

Action Steps: Recruit, engage, retain and reward staff

  • Strengthen the division as an employer of choice by fostering a supportive, engaging and rewarding workplace for current and future staff
  • Deliver professional learning that strengthens expertise, supports career growth and fosters a sense of value, connection and efficacy.
  • Foster staff voice and engagement through meaningful input, feedback, and recognition.