In Dublin, sustainable investments in education are carefully planned and managed to ensure long-term viability, without compromising the needs of current and future students. Investments include facilities, curriculum, technology, and resources to provide professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their instructional practices. Student-focused investments prioritize students’ well-being and success, considering their diverse needs, interests, and abilities. Student support services, such as counseling, special education, and enrichment programs, as well as promoting equity of access to educational programs, are priority areas.

School districts have a fiduciary responsibility to use taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively. We are transparent in managing budgets, make informed decisions about resource allocation, and adhere to all regulations and policies. Responsible stewardship involves engaging with the community and seeking input from stakeholders, including taxpayers, parents, students, and staff, to ensure that financial decisions align with the needs and priorities of the district. We are open to future levy needs and plan to address needs in a rapidly growing community.

We must align their vision and strategic goals with their available financial resources. This means developing a clear and coherent vision for the district’s educational objectives and then identifying the necessary financial resources to support and achieve those objectives. We prioritize initiatives that align with the district’s vision and are financially feasible while carefully managing and allocating resources to ensure sustainability and effectiveness in the long term. 

We are in the “people business,” and over eighty-five percent of the budget is the salary and benefits of our employees. We continually evaluate and align our school personnel to place the right people in the right programs to serve students.

Journey 2030 is grounded in our Guiding Principles – the first is Student-Centered Decisions. Student-centered decisions are essential for educators to support students in achieving their academic and personal goals. When educators, parents, and other stakeholders make decisions with students’ best interests in mind, it leads to more personalized education and prepares students for success in the future.

Our schools are focused on tailoring instruction and support to meet the individual needs of each student. Dublin educators take the time to get to know their students and understand their strengths, challenges, and interests; they create learning experiences that are engaging, relevant, and effective. We build trust between students and educators, increasing motivation and a sense of belonging in the classroom. We celebrate the diversity in our community; we are better together.

Dublin teachers equip students with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions they need to succeed in college, career, and life. We embrace the importance of preparing students for success beyond the classroom. We guide students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. We provide opportunities for students to explore potential career paths and connect with mentors and other professionals in their fields of interest.

By focusing on personalized education and preparing students for success beyond the classroom, our district sets measurable goals for student achievement and creates a supportive and engaging learning environment. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to be motivated, confident, and successful academically and personally.

Guiding principles serve as the foundation for decision-making and provide a checklist for success for the Dublin City Schools. These principles are values, beliefs, or guidelines that guide our behavior and actions. They ensure that decisions align with the organization’s values, behavior, and outcomes.

Guiding principles provide a framework by offering consistent criteria to evaluate options and make informed choices. They serve as a reference point for individuals at all levels of the organization when facing complex situations or making important decisions. By using these principles as a checklist for success, the district can ensure that our choices and actions are aligned with the overall vision – Journey 2030.

Our principles, a rubric for action, create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement – a clear set of expectations everyone can understand and use as a guide. It promotes consistency and fairness in decision-making, as decisions can be evaluated with a common language. Guiding principles foster a positive and productive work environment, enhance decision-making, and drive success in achieving organizational goals.

There is power in a common language. When we, as an organization, use the same language to define our values, our behavior, and our outcomes, we are aligned. Using a common language cannot be overstated in achieving organizational efficiency and reducing stress. When everyone in an organization can communicate effectively and clearly with one another, it leads to a more cohesive and productive workplace. Misunderstandings and errors can be avoided, and goals can be achieved more efficiently. A common language also helps build camaraderie and shared understanding among team members, which can improve morale and reduce stress.

Having a common language can also be beneficial when working with our parents and creates a community. We facilitate clear communication and help to avoid misunderstandings, which can ultimately lead to more successful partnerships. By promoting clear communication, a common language can encourage teamwork, boost morale, and ultimately lead to greater success in achieving organizational goals.