Hutchings & Associates
Strategic Planning Services
Helping Educational Leaders Move from Vision to Impact
At Hutchings & Associates, we provide strategic planning services that help educational systems align leadership, strategy, and operations to improve student outcomes. Our process is guided by research-based frameworks, real-world experience, and a deep understanding of public education systems.
We partner with school districts and educational organizations to co-create strategic plans that are clear, measurable, and achievable—while building the internal capacity of leaders to lead successful implementation.
Our Guiding Approach
The PELP Framework & Theory of Action
Our strategic planning process is anchored in the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP) Framework developed by Harvard University. The PELP Framework emphasizes the importance of aligning a district’s strategy, culture, systems, and resources to drive student achievement. We use this framework to ensure that your strategic plan is not just a document—but a dynamic tool that guides decision-making at every level of the organization.
We also develop a customized Theory of Action for each client to ensure alignment between inputs, strategies, and expected outcomes. Our Theory of Action reflects the following logic:
“If we engage stakeholders, analyze data effectively, and implement aligned goals with clear measures, then we will improve instructional quality, strengthen organizational systems, and ultimately increase student achievement across all schools.”
CORE GOALS OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
Our work typically supports districts and educational organizations in developing strategic goals across these key areas
Student Achievement
Improving academic performance, narrowing disparities, and promoting readiness
Talent Development
Supporting and retaining high-quality educators and staff
Operational Excellence
Enhancing systems for efficiency, service, and resource alignment
Family & Community Engagement
Building strong partnerships and trust with stakeholders
Leadership & Governance
Aligning leadership practices to district or organization vision and goals
What Our Strategic Planning Includes
Facilitated Strategic Planning Process
A full-cycle planning process from discovery to implementation
Mission, Vision, and Core Values Refinement
Guided development of foundational statements to ground your work
Implementation Planning
Creation of detailed action steps, roles, timelines, and accountability structures
Data Analysis & Community Listening
Review of performance data, climate surveys, and stakeholder feedback to inform priorities
Strategic Goal Setting with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Clear, measurable outcomes and progress indicators using your Theory of Action
Leadership Development Support
Ongoing coaching and tools to support plan execution and adaptive leadership
Our 5-Phase Strategic Planning Process
Phase 1: Initiation & Preparation
Establish planning teams, define a timeline, and gather foundational data.
Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement & Data Review
Conduct surveys, focus groups, and performance analysis to identify strengths and needs.
Phase 3: Vision, Core Values & Strategic Priorities
Facilitate collaborative development of mission, vision, core values, and strategic focus areas.
Phase 4: Goal Development & Theory of Action
Define strategic goals, aligned KPIs, and articulate a district-specific Theory of Action.
Phase 5: Finalization & Implementation
Present draft, revise based on feedback, and finalize implementation plans for launch.
Why Partner with Hutchings & Associates?
Over 25 years of experience in education leadership, policy, and district transformation
Proven track record of guiding school systems through high-impact strategic planning
Expertise in applying the PELP Framework to real-world K–12 settings
Commitment to measurable progress and sustainable change
We help school districts and education organizations design strategic plans that are not only visionary—but actionable, effective, and aligned with the daily work of educators.
Contact Us
Let’s create a strategic plan that moves your district or organization forward.
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