A Strategic Plan makes a difference when students can see and feel the results in their schools.
During Year 1, Kalama School District added three positions identified in the Strategic Plan: a Math Interventionist, Secondary Student Support Specialist and Future-Ready Liaison. The district hired all three roles and had them in place during the first year of the plan.
Each role supports students at a different point in their Future-Ready Journey. The Math Interventionist provides targeted, small-group support for students in grades 3-5 who need additional help building essential math skills. The Secondary Student Support Specialist connects middle and high school students with academic, social-emotional and other support when they need additional help.
The Future-Ready Liaison helps students look ahead by providing mentorship, resources and guidance as they identify and pursue post-graduation plans. That work directly supports Kalama’s Pathway to Prosperity goal of preparing students for the many possibilities after high school.
Together, these roles embody one of Kalama’s core Guiding Principles: Know Every Child by Name and Need. The goal is to understand where students are, identify the support they need, and help them take the next step.
Supporting students also means paying attention to the services they rely on every day. One visible example was Kalama’s transition to self-operated nutrition services during the 2025-26 school year. The change gave the district more control over menus and brought more scratch-made meals and fresh options for students.
In the first month of the school year, breakfast participation increased across elementary, middle and high schools compared with the same period the previous year. Throughout the year, students were served new scratch-made recipes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and additional menu choices introduced districtwide.
Whether students need targeted academic help, additional support in secondary school, guidance as they prepare for life after graduation or strong everyday school services, putting the right people and systems in place helps turn Kalama’s Strategic Plan into action.
As Year 2 gets underway, that foundation will continue supporting students throughout their journey.