Strategic Plan

"Carmel Clay Schools is preparing students for the future. Our students will need to be prepared for jobs not yet created, to tackle unimagined societal challenges, and to use technologies that have not yet been invented. We must equip students to thrive in an interconnected world where they seek to understand and appreciate different perspectives and worldviews, interact respectfully with others, and take responsible action toward sustainability and collective well-being."

• Ensure all students have rigorous and differentiated learning opportunities with an enhanced focus on literacy, mathematics, and career/technical programming to meet individual needs and have the necessary skills and abilities to be college or career ready
• Integrate authentic assessment measures to ensure greater relevance for students, promote achievement, and accurately communicate what students have learned
• Strengthen student engagement and close achievement gaps by ensuring students have access to rigorous content and the support needed to be successful

"To succeed academically, students must feel safe and welcomed in their schools. Carmel Clay Schools strives to provide a positive learning environment for staff and students where all students feel physically and emotionally safe. This includes a layered approach to student supports, including activities to nurture student connections, available mental health services, and equity initiatives to ensure all students are appropriately challenged. Safety initiatives include updates to building security, staff and student trainings, and the presence of a certified School Resource Officer in every school."

• Ensure all students experience a safe and supportive environment that is responsive to the needs of each student
• Ensure all students’ social and emotional needs are met and supported
• Ensure access to mental health support for students and families
• Serve as a resource for families with school concerns or in need of assistance

"Carmel Clay Schools serves more than 2,400 employees and aims to create a work environment where employees feel valued and supported. This is evident with CCS boasting one of the highest retention rates among teachers in the state of Indiana. Not only is CCS a destination district for families with children; many employees seek out opportunities to grow their own careers in one of the highest-rated and most supported school districts in the Midwest. CCS deploys numerous recruitment strategies that provide diverse pipelines of candidates to serve our students and community. Our staff services department looks to put the “human” in human resources while providing opportunities for professional and personal growth. Our comprehensive benefits focus on physical, mental, social and financial health so our staff can concentrate on what is most important, the students of CCS."

• Creatively recruit, hire, onboard and retain a diverse and premier staff Implementation of a new talent development evaluation system for teachers
• Provide enhanced professional development and training for all staff
• Continue a positive relationship with the Carmel Teachers’ Association

"Facility renovation needs are determined by either physical or programmatic requirements. Buildings have a lifecycle, including mid-cycle and major renovations, thus needs can be anticipated and are ongoing. A major project approach, rather than undertaking projects on a piecemeal basis, is the most cost-effective use of taxpayer funds. Anticipating facility needs and addressing them on a regular schedule provides the opportunity to structure a level tax rate, which is fair to taxpayers."

• Students are at the center of every decision.
• A safe, nonthreatening learning environment is essential.
• Students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs must be addressed.
• Students and employees excel when held to high personal standards and expectations.
• High-quality employees are vital to the success of our organization.
• Effective teaching and learning requires continuous improvement.
• Diverse opportunities benefit all students.
• Open and transparent communication maintains stakeholder trust.
• Parent and community involvement enhances student learning.
• Fiscal responsibility is fundamental to achieving our vision.