When Perry Public Schools unveiled its new mission and vision, it wasn’t just a rebranding exercise. It was the natural next step in a years-long journey to build a more meaningful and student-centered educational experience.
Mission:
Perry Public Schools empowers Ramblers to thrive by cultivating critical thinking, effective communication, and integrity-driven leadership through authentic and real-world learning. Students are centered in their own learning through collaborative innovation and thoughtful technology integration, developing as community contributors whose knowledge and skills ensure lasting success.
Vision:
We envision a collaborative learning community where innovative educators cultivate creative problem-solvers and impactful leaders, transforming the world around them.
Superintendent Lori Haven, now in her seventh year leading the district, reflected on the evolution.
"We know it is not uncommon for mission and vision statements to get created and then shelved. We wanted our updated mission and vision statements to live and breathe in our school community."
The process began in late 2019 with the district’s first strategic plan. At the time, critical facility and safety concerns took priority. Many of these were addressed through the successful 2021 bond proposal. With those foundational needs met, the district turned its focus toward improving curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
That work led to engagement with the Future Learning Council, where Perry staff explored educational models like AMT (Acquisition, Meaning-Making, and Transfer) and how students benefit when technology is integrated meaningfully. These discussions helped shape the Portrait of a Rambler, a set of qualities and competencies Perry hopes to instill in every student.
The mission and vision statements that emerged weren’t written in isolation. Feedback from families, staff, and students helped guide the work. Lori emphasized how important it was that these values reflect what is already happening and where the district is headed.
"We want students to come to school because it matters to them, because they’re making meaning in ways that connect to their lives. That’s the root of our mission and vision."
Looking ahead, the district is focused on deepening the implementation of these principles. There is a strong emphasis on literacy and math, especially at the elementary level, where the structure allows for more consistent collaboration and relationship-building. The district also recently revamped its teacher evaluation system to emphasize collaboration and growth.
"We don’t want evaluation to feel like a gotcha. We want it to feel like a collaborative opportunity. We know we hire great educators, and we want to equip them to grow alongside us."
Throughout the process, Lori has been inspired by the dedication and resilience of the Perry staff.
"We have a lot of veteran teachers, and their willingness to take managed risks and try something new has been inspiring. Even during the pandemic, our staff kept pushing forward. They modeled what it means to keep learning, even through challenges."
For Perry Public Schools, the mission and vision are more than just statements. They represent a shared commitment to authentic learning, staff collaboration, and preparing every Rambler to thrive.