Strategic Plan

Empower and equip every learner with skills, curiosity, character, and purpose to thrive and live fulfilling lives in an ever-changing world.

Laying the Foundation

RSU 5 launched the strategic planning process in January 2025 by forming a representative Strategic Planning Committee that included educators, students, families, community members, and district leaders.

Seeking Community Input

More than 800 participants contributed feedback through surveys and focus groups, including faculty and staff, students in grades 6–12, and community conversations across all three towns. This feedback helped identify community priorities, strengths, and hopes for the future of RSU 5 students.

Drafting the Portrait

Community feedback informed the development of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate, vision, belief statements, and focus areas that reflect the knowledge, skills, and dispositions the community values for its learners.

Strategic Planning

Throughout the spring of 2026, the Strategic Planning Committee worked collaboratively to develop strategies, action steps, and indicators of progress. Drafts were reviewed by faculty and district leadership to refine priorities and support implementation planning.

INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

RSU 5 graduates are innovative, creative, and curious. They embrace challenge through critical thinking and problem solving to make responsible decisions and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.

INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE

RSU 5 graduates are kind, empathetic, and respectful. They have the communication and collaboration skills necessary to build and sustain healthy relationships. They advocate for themselves and others.

PERSONAL GROWTH

RSU 5 graduates know who they are and who they aspire to become. They engage in ongoing self reflection and goal setting that builds independence, resilience, perseverance, and adaptability.

COMMUNITY AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

RSU 5 graduates have strong community and social connections that contribute to a sense of belonging. They act with care and responsibility toward their local community and the wider world. They value and seek out diverse experiences and perspectives.

FUTURE READINESS

RSU 5 graduates explore and see opportunities ahead and are prepared for life. They are flexible and responsive to the demands of both the present and the future. They possess the knowledge, skills, and habits needed for personal and professional success.

Cognitive Growth

We believe learning requires deep thinking, meaningful challenge, and the ability to reflect on and adjust one’s approach to reach goals.

School Culture and Connection

We believe schools are welcoming, joyful, and hopeful communities where relationships, belonging, and engagement support every learner.

Real-World Relevance

We believe in creating opportunities for students to practice essential life skills, explore practical knowledge, consider diverse perspectives, and engage in community-based experiences that develop skills needed for life beyond school.

Emotional Intelligence and Character Building

We believe in fostering emotionally intelligent, flexible, responsible, and resilient learners who act with integrity, use strategies for emotional regulation, and embrace productive struggle as growth.

Systems and Sustainability

We believe in careful, responsible, forward-thinking stewardship of district resources that meet the changing needs of learners.