USD 465 is continuing to move forward with a clear vision for the future, one that is centered on students, strengthened by staff and supported by a connected community.
Throughout the 2025–26 school year and now into the 2026–27 school year, USD 465 continues turning the district’s strategic plan into action. The Viking 4 Focus Areas: Culture & Communication, Student Achievement, Student Support, and Infrastructure & Resources, provide a framework for making intentional decisions that strengthen our schools and create greater opportunities for every Winfield Viking. Tying it all back to our mission: “Developing responsible citizens for the future.”
This progress represents more than a list of initiatives. It reflects a Board of Education with a vision for what USD 465 can become and a commitment to making decisions today that position the district for success tomorrow.
Culture & Communication
One of the district’s most visible areas of growth is creating stronger connections between USD 465 and the Winfield community.
The district recently held an event called “Winning Careers in Winfield”, giving families opportunities to explore employment within USD 465 and helping connect the district’s workforce needs with the community during the 2026 Open Enrollment process.
USD 465 also had its very first “Winfield Welcome” event, which was held during the 2026 Back to School Convocation. The event brought local businesses and community partners together with USD 465 staff to celebrate the start of a new school year and build relationships between the schools and the community. The initiative directly supports the district’s focus on Culture & Communication while strengthening the belief that schools and communities are stronger when they work together.
“Bridging the gap between our schools and our community is an important part of our future,” said Katie Mays, Director of Public Information. “When our businesses, families, staff and schools show up for one another, amazing things can happen. We want that connection to become part of who we are as a district.”
Student Achievement
Student achievement remains at the heart of the district’s work. USD 465 continues targeted interventions for at-risk students, progress monitoring, evidence-based instructional practices and professional learning designed to strengthen teaching and learning.
The district also continues its work with Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a National Showcase District, reinforcing the importance of relationships, belonging and student support.
Student Support
USD 465 recognizes that the success of its students begins with great educators and staff.
The district continues to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts by providing all day preschool for the 3 year old children of district employees, offering meaningful support for staff and their families.
Professional learning remains another priority, including the completion of LETRS training at the end of the 2025–26 school year, as well as ongoing opportunities designed to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
The district also strengthens its partnership with the Southwestern College Education Program, creating opportunities for future educators to gain experience in USD 465 classrooms and developing a potential pipeline of qualified teachers for the future.
These efforts reflect the district’s commitment to student support and recognize that investing in staff is ultimately an investment in students.
Additionally, USD 465 provides opportunities for students to explore careers, develop skills and make connections beyond the classroom. Through our HOSA program, students gain greater exposure to career pathways, local employers and postsecondary opportunities.
Infrastructure & Resources
Student and staff safety continues to be a priority across USD 465. The district continues reviewing safety procedures, emergency response protocols and communication practices while adding a second School Resource Officer to increase safety, visibility and support throughout the district.
USD 465 recently transitioned to a modernized student information system, Skyward Qmlativ, providing updated tools and technology to better serve students, families, and staff.
At the same time, the district continues strengthening communication through its website, app, social media, email and other digital platforms.
While the district is proud of the progress already made, we recognize that the work is not finished. The strategic plan keeps the district focused on student needs, community expectations and responsible use of resources while guiding decisions that strengthen our schools and position them for the future.
The district continues to measure progress, listen, evaluate and look for new ways to serve students. Because when our students win, our schools win, our community wins — and that’s what Winning in Winfield is all about.