Strategic Plan

Sustainable Stewardship for Student Success

Objective: To build a sustainable, standardized, and resilient district operating model, supported by strong infrastructure, shared training and documentation, data-driven accountability, and strategic partnerships, to ensure consistent, reliable services for staff and students beyond reliance on individual roles.

Critical Initiatives:

• Strategic Resource Alignment: We will implement a clear decision-making and reflection process to align funding and resources to district priorities, student essentials, and measurable impact on equitable student outcomes.
• Safety Infrastructure and Security Upgrades: ACS will strengthen safety systems, security measures, and facility protections to support equitable, safe, and secure learning environments across the district.
• Facilities Needs Assessment Implementation: We will use the outcomes of the Facility Needs Assessment to guide future facility and operational improvements based on need, sustainability, and equitable access.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Asheville City Schools launched a feasibility study to ensure that our schools and functioning at their full potential. As a part of our Strategic Plan, our goal is to ensure the long-term success of our school district. In doing so, we are conducting a Facility Needs Assessment of each of our schools. For more information about this assessment, why it is necessary to the success of our district as a whole, and more, click below.

Facility Needs Assessment Q&A

Equitable Student Outcomes

Objective: Every ACS scholar is supported to grow as a whole child by mastering important knowledge and skills, producing high-quality work they can be proud of, and contributing to a better world.

Critical Initiatives:

• Character: Every ACS scholar will develop habits, mindsets, and skills necessary for lifelong success.
• Mastery of Knowledge and Skills: Every ACS scholar will demonstrate achievement through critical thinking, problem solving, and clear communication.
• High-Quality Work: Every ACS scholar will produce high-quality work that reflects perseverance, critical thinking, and pride in their learning.

Premier District For Exceptional Talent

Objective: Asheville City Schools is committed to building and sustaining a diverse, high-caliber workforce. We attract, hire, and retain exceptional educators while fostering a culture where every employee can grow, lead, and advance within the district.

Critical Initiatives:

• Attract: ACS will develop a robust compensation package for all employees and enhance our recruitment strategies.
• Advance: ACS will build a comprehensive system that develops, supports, and sustains high-quality staff by creating clear pathways for professional opportunities, leadership, and long-term career success.
• Achieve: We will create a high-impact, cohesive professional learning system that strengthens instructional practice, supports all staff, and positions ACS as a model district for professional learning.

Stronger Relationships, Stronger Public Schools, Stronger Community

Objective: Asheville City Schools will foster a culture of belonging through clear professional communication, consistent expectations, and authentic trust based relationships that engage and support students, staff, families, and community partners in strengthening student learning and well-being.

Critical Initiatives:

• Trusting Relationships: ACS will cultivate a culture of belonging by fostering authentic, trust-based relationships among students and staff, ensuring every individual feels valued, heard, and supported in a safe and inclusive learning environments.
• Communication: We will establish and maintain consistent expectations with professional communication systems that promote alignment, trust, and engagement among students, staff, and the broader community.