With a spirit of collaboration and a deep commitment to student success, North Royalton City Schools convened the first of three Strategic Planning sessions this week, bringing together staff, families, and community members to shape the District’s next Strategic Plan and its forward-looking “Portrait of a Graduate.”
The April 22 kickoff event marked the beginning of a Districtwide conversation about what it means to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. In partnership with Battelle for Kids, a nationally respected nonprofit organization specializing in education transformation, the District is facilitating a process to gather input, spark ideas, and build a shared vision for the future.
“This work defines our focus as a District over the next three years,” said Superintendent Michael Laub. “We are proud of our District and what we do for students. But all great organizations look for ways to continue to improve and evolve. We are committed to do just that so we can provide the most relative education experience for every student.
Tackling the “Information Explosion”
Among the key topics of discussion was the challenge students face in managing an overwhelming amount of digital information. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of teaching students to critically evaluate sources, think metacognitively, and apply ethical judgment when using technology.
Participants supported a three-pillar framework—Discover, Evaluate, Apply—to help students navigate the information landscape, supported by professional development for teachers and outreach to families to reinforce these skills at home.
Encouraging Innovation and Risk-Taking
Another major focus was fostering a culture where innovation thrives and failure is seen as part of learning. Community members called for project-based learning, flexible grading systems that reward effort and growth, and authentic problem-solving experiences that mimic the challenges students will face in real life.
Preparing Students for the Future of Work
The discussion also delved into how best to prepare students for modern career pathways, including the gig economy, remote work, and non-routine roles that demand adaptability and creativity. Attendees envisioned more career-connected learning, entrepreneurship opportunities, digital literacy, and real-life experiences that help students develop transferable skills and confidence.
Elevating Empathy, Discourse, and Student Agency
From design thinking to emotional intelligence, the session explored how North Royalton students can become not only knowledgeable but also empathetic, collaborative, and thoughtful citizens. Ideas included role-playing exercises, restorative practices, cross-cultural experiences, and community service projects to build empathy and communication skills.
Participants also emphasized the importance of student agency—empowering students to set goals, reflect on their learning, and take ownership of their academic journey.
Next Steps
This kickoff meeting was the first in a series of engagement opportunities. With guidance from Battelle for Kids, North Royalton City Schools will continue to refine key themes and input from staff and the community to shape a Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Graduate. The final plan will be unveiled in the fall of 2025.
“Our community showed up in force,” said Superintendent Laub. “Their voices will shape a vision that’s bold, inclusive, and deeply grounded in what’s best for our students.”
