Dozens of students, staff, parents, guardians and residents attended the second strategic plan community meeting, which was held on November 19, 2025, in the Lower Merion High School cafeteria. Following the initial meeting, which focused on Mission and Vision, this meeting was centered on Core Values and Strategic Priorities.

After a welcome from Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli, participants introduced themselves to their table partners. Then, facilitators from the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) reviewed the Core Values from the 2014 strategic plan that received the top rankings, in the community survey and during the initial community meeting.

These were:

• Student-Centered
• Integrity
• Growth Mindset
• Belonging
• Character
• Collaboration

Participants worked in their table groups to develop shared definitions and understandings for each value and how they impact students in LMSD. Tables then shared their definitions with others in the room, who reviewed the written definitions during a gallery walk exercise, adding their own thoughts, ideas and comments.

Next, the table groups discussed Strategic Priorities, answering what success in each area would like in five years, and what the impact would be if that area were not prioritized. The Strategic Priorities discussed were:

• Academic Outcomes
• Ensuring Safety
• Hiring and Retaining Quality Staff
• Student Engagement
• Student Wellness

Each table posted their thoughts for others to review. As a final exercise, each group discussed whether they felt there was a priority area that was missing and shared out their ideas for what that might be.

All of the comments and outputs from this working session will be reviewed by the CCIU consultants and will inform next steps at Community Strategic Planning Meeting #3, which will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Lower Merion High School Cafeteria.

Again, all interested students, staff, parents/guardians and community members are invited to attend and participate.

Special thanks to the students from Lower Merion High School's Student Council and other student organizations who assisted the facilitators and participants before, during and after the meeting. The students also shared their feedback throughout the table discussions. 

To see photos from the meeting, please click through the slide show below.