When Donita Stepan was hired as Superintendent of Thief River Falls Public Schools in July 2020, she wanted to increase the number of opportunities for area students. With that goal in mind, one of her first priorities was revising the district’s strategic plan. “I wanted to see some passion behind the plan,” Donita said.
Over the course of several months, numerous meetings were held with community members, school board members, and leadership teams and the result of those conversations is a strategic plan that Donita is When Donita Stepan was hired as Superintendent of Thief River Falls Public Schools in July 2020, she wanted to increase the number of opportunities for area students. With that goal in mind, one of her first priorities was revising the district’s strategic plan. “I wanted to see some passion behind the plan,” Donita said.
Over the course of several months, numerous meetings were held with community members, school board members, and leadership teams and the result of those conversations is a strategic plan that Donita is immensely proud of.
“We are so thrilled with the strategic plan because it brings opportunities to the community’s children and families,” Donita said. “We want to provide a good quality experience for anything and anywhere that a child wants to go in life.”
The revised strategic plan is built on six pillars that help to personalize the learner experience through real-world opportunities, through voice and choice, and through equitable opportunities. The plan also contains strategies to enhance safety, fiscal management, and staff growth.
Donita is extremely impressed by the level of community support she has seen.
“Throughout my experience in the field of education, I have never seen so much community support,” Donita said. “It’s everything from our Education Foundation—one of the best in the State of Minnesota—to the PTSP parent group, the scholarships, and the support that we (school staff) have for our kids. It’s really unprecedented.”
