Lakota Local Schools is launching a comprehensive strategic planning process, drawing on feedback from more than 1,200 community members who responded to a recent district survey.

Superintendent Ashley Whitely described the strategic plan as a "roadmap" that will guide the district's direction over the next three to five years. The plan will establish the district's pillars, goals, objectives, actions, and outcomes.

"A strategic plan is a roadmap for our district," Whitely said. "It is the foundation which is going to lay out our pillars, our goals, our objectives, our actions, and our outcomes for the next three to five years."

The updated plan aims to address overcrowding, reduce class sizes, and support future-ready, student-centered learning.

The district will combine survey data with information collected over the past two years to shape the planning process. A 50-person steering team will draft the plan. The team begins its work on July 16.

After the steering team completes an initial draft, the district will seek feedback from various stakeholder groups to refine the roadmap. Whitely said the district hopes to share a preview of the new strategic plan with staff during its August convocation and secure board approval by September.

"This is such an exciting time for Lakota Local Schools as we build our new strategic plan," Whitely said. "We are looking forward to building our future together with you, our community."

As of July 2026, Whitely is in her second full year leading the district, which serves over 17,500 students. She was selected by the school board on May 4, 2024, to lead the district after a turbulent year involving the resignations of three previous superintendents. Whitely prioritizes improving district culture and engaging stakeholders through "Listening and Learning" sessions.