Frankfort 157-C Leaders Unveil Ambitious Annual Plan Focusing on AI, Security, and Staff Retention

Article Summary: Frankfort School District 157-C administrators presented a detailed 2025-2026 Annual Plan that includes forming a technology task force to study AI, upgrading school security with enhanced cameras and alert systems, and implementing new strategies to improve employee retention and recruitment.

FSD 157-C Annual Plan Key Points:

• The plan outlines goals across five categories: Future Growth, Student Success, Workforce Excellence, Resource Stewardship, and Community Engagement.

• New initiatives include creating a task force to explore emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in the classroom.

• Major security enhancements will include expanded camera systems, upgraded alert technologies, and adding a fourth parent- reunification site.

• The district will focus on improving employee experience through better training, clearer communication on pay, and building post-secondary hiring partnerships.

The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, reviewed a comprehensive 2025-2026 Annual Plan designed to advance the district’s long-term strategic goals through specific, measurable actions in curriculum, school safety, and staff support.

Superintendent Dr. Doug Wernet introduced the plan, explaining that it is derived from the 2022 Strategic Plan and built upon the district’s four pillars: high student achievement, student growth, staff support, and strong family relationships. He assured the board that while the 12 goals outlined might seem extensive, they are achievable due to the administrative team’s departmentalized structure.

District directors then detailed key initiatives within their areas. Janet McClarence, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, announced plans to implement the Marzano Instructional Framework to improve teaching strategies. A major focus for the year will be the formation of a districtwide technology task force to explore emerging advancements, including the impact of artificial intelligence in education.

Enhancing school safety is a top priority, according to Technology and Security Director Jake Nelson. His department’s goals include expanding and enhancing camera installations, upgrading alert technologies, establishing a fourth reunification site for emergencies, and providing updated cybersecurity training for staff.

On the human resources front, Director Shayna Cole outlined a multi-faceted approach to attract and retain staff. The district will provide training on the Skyward Employee Access portal, continue monthly one-on-one meetings with staff, and ensure clarity around pay and assignments. Ms. Cole also highlighted a goal to create new partnerships with post-secondary institutions to build a pipeline for future hiring.

Dr. LeeAnn Taylor, Director of Business and Operations, said her department will work to develop educational tools to help stakeholders better understand the school levy process and financial decisions. She also noted future aspirations for creating teams to study modernizing classroom furnishings.

Jen Bajda, Director of Special Services, shared that her staff will receive targeted professional development for early childhood education and will work to refine the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) processes to ensure consistency.

Board Secretary Brian Skibinski questioned the feasibility of achieving all 12 goals within a year. Dr. Wernet clarified that some goals are cyclical and that the plan represents the start of the district’s long-term vision. He said progress would be reported to the board through monitoring or a summative assessment in May or June 2026.

Board member Ann Zaremba praised the administration for its focus on advancing the strategic plan, while Board President Edith Lutz thanked the team for their extensive behind-the-scenes work.