Cincinnati schools return to class under new strategic plan preview

District’s 2030 Commitment centers on students being known, valued and supported
Cincinnati schools return to class under new strategic plan preview
Published: Aug. 18, 2026 at 4:34 PM EDT

Download the free FOX19 NOW Weather App for iPhone

Download the free FOX19 NOW Weather App for Android

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Cincinnati Public Schools students returned to class Tuesday as the district previewed an upcoming strategic plan during a back-to-school address.

Superintendent Shauna Murphey told staff the plan is not yet finalized or approved, but she wanted to share what is ahead before the start of the school year.

“As we’re rolling out the concepts for the strategic plan, it is not yet complete, it is not yet approved, but we did want to begin our school year as strongly as we possibly can,” Murphey said.

CPS Promise and 2030 goals

The plan centers on the CPS Promise and 2030 Commitment. By 2030, the district says every student should be known, valued and supported, taught by well-equipped educators, and given access to learning that prepares them for the future.

Four strategic priorities support that vision: equitable access to high-quality instruction, post-secondary opportunities, whole-child supports, and stronger district systems. District officials said those systems cover areas including chronic absenteeism and mental health support.

Board response

Board President Brandon Craig said the board remains committed to ensuring students get the best possible education and preparation for the future, including exploring expanded K-5/K-6 support.

“That’s what you elected us to do - to make sure our students get the best education possible,” Craig said.

Craig said the strategic plan will roll out in phases, with a vote expected at the next board meeting.

Superintendent Shauna Murphey is scheduled to join Morning Xtra live Wednesday to talk about the return to school.

See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.