LA JOYA, Texas — On Saturday, May 3, 2025, La Joya ISD welcomed over 300 students, parents, educators, staff members, and community leaders to its Community Design Day — a pivotal event in the development of the district’s Strategic Plan. Since initiating the strategic planning process in Fall 2024, the district has engaged extensively with stakeholders to ensure continued growth and success. Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen has spearheaded this initiative, collaborating with business owners, community leaders, higher education partners, educators, and families to identify strengths, challenges, and priorities for the future. “This process is about listening and ensuring that every voice matters as we build a roadmap that reflects our district’s goals and aspirations,” Sorensen said.
Beginning in November 2024, Superintendent Sorensen hosted over 60 town hall meetings, focus groups, and community events to gather insights. These sessions included community and higher education partners, parents of students in special education, athletics, career and technical education, early childhood programs, and fine arts, district staff, as well as educators from all school levels. Additionally, district surveys collected more than 4,000 responses, including:
52% from students
30% from staff members
18% from parents and community members
Held at Juarez-Lincoln High School, Community Design Day brought together stakeholders from across the district to review and provide feedback on strategic priorities derived from community input. Attendees represented every facet of the La Joya ISD community — students, teachers, principals, support staff, and families — all working together to build a shared vision. The event featured interactive workshops, data presentations, and guided discussions led by facilitators from La Joya ISD. Specifically, participant feedback represents strategies and initiatives the community wants to see address the top five priorities identified from the data collected throughout the strategic planning process:
Excellence in Leadership
Empowered Graduates
Thriving Students
Community Trust, Unity, and Partnership
Operational Excellence and Financial Stability
“Our community came together in a powerful way,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “The ideas, passion, and commitment shared during Community Design Day remind us that the future of La Joya ISD is in good hands. Every voice that contributed today will be reflected in the goals and actions of our Strategic Plan.”
Board President Julian Alvarez III emphasized the importance of community involvement in district planning. “We are deeply grateful to every individual who participated in this process,” said Alvarez. “The success of our students depends on our collective commitment. This Strategic Plan will be stronger because it is shaped by the voices of the people we serve.”
La Joya ISD’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2026 and beyond is expected to be finalized and presented this summer. The plan will serve as a roadmap for academic excellence, student well-being, and operational effectiveness across the district.
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