OUR VISION

Empowered Students, Thriving Communities
 

OUR MISSION

We strengthen student potential and foster strong resilient communities through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships.

OUR VALUES

Integrity | Accountability | Service | Equity | Inclusivity

2025-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN

Future Direction: Building an Ecosystem for Empowered Students and Thriving Communities

The 2025-28 Strategic Plan Framework came together at a time of great turbulence for our education and larger community. Now more than ever, schools must be the safety net for our young people. To strengthen our approach in these challenging times, LACOE has developed a new strategic framework based on a refreshed vision, mission and core values that together represent a fundamental transformation in how we strengthen student outcomes and foster resilient communities through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. Our Strategic Plan Framework includes five objectives, each guided by key priorities. Together, they are aligned to more than 100 goals which will be monitored for progress.

Students: Foster an ecoystem that places students at the center of every decision

The student objectives means that in every program we design, every partnership we forge and every decision we make, we ask: “How does this serve students?” This encompasses not just academic achievement but preparing students for a future where they need strong literacy, critical thinking, creativity and the ability to navigate a technology-enhanced world. It means creating inclusive learning environments and ensuring our teaching approaches develop the whole child.

Wellbeing: Strengthen systems of care, safety and belonging

The Wellbeing objective recognizes that learning happens best when both students and the adults who serve them feel safe, valued and supported. For students, this means schools that are physically and emotionally safe spaces where mental health is prioritized and the home-to-school connection is strong. For educators and staff, this means workplaces where they feel welcomed and valued. We understand that when adults are thriving, they create conditions for students to thrive. This objective embraces the community school model, recognizing that schools work best as hubs that bring families and communities together.

Partnerships: Build an interconnected L.A. County community to strengthen public education as a common good

The Partnership objective focuses on coordinated impact. Rather than government agencies, nonprofits, foundations and higher education institutions each working separately, this partnership’s objective creates intentional collaboration that maximizes resources and eliminates gaps. It’s about building a shared vision for public education across L.A. County, where diverse partners work together strategically to support the same students and families while advocating for sustainable funding and policy changes.

Communication: Build relationships and understanding that advance education priorities

The Communications objective creates the internal alignment, external relationships and strategic advocacy that amplify LACOE’s impact. This objective encompasses building a unified organizational culture, delivering responsive customer service, providing proactive support during critical moments and mobilizing community action for education priorities. Through communication, LACOE becomes both a trusted partner to those we serve and a unified organization that maximizes collective impact.

Excellence: Strengthen operational systems that enable student success

The Excellence objective recognizes that everything in the educational system must function at the highest level to create conditions where students can succeed. This ensures all behind-the-scenes operations are executed with skill, efficiency and continuous improvement. Organizational Excellence is the operational foundation that makes student success possible.