Laurens County School District 55 Launches Think Together Initiative to Shape 2026–2031 Strategic Plan
February 8, 2026
Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) is proud to announce the launch of Think Together, a districtwide community engagement initiative designed to guide the development of the District’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. This effort reflects LCSD 55’s continued commitment to Building a 5-Star Culture of Excellence by actively partnering with stakeholders to shape the future of education in Laurens County.
Through Think Together, the District is working collaboratively with parents, staff, students, business leaders, community leaders, and community members to identify priorities, celebrate strengths, and address opportunities for growth. The initiative is grounded in transparency, shared ownership, and a belief that the most effective strategic plan is one created with the community, not just for it. The district launched the initiative in January 2026 with a stakeholder survey to gather feedback, from which a steering committee will pull information and put together LCSD 55’s new mission and vision.
A diverse Think Together Strategic Plan Steering Committee has been established to create a new mission and vision, review feedback, and ensure the Strategic Plan reflects the voices of the broader community. Steering Committee Members include LCSD 55 staff- Kelsey Brown (Hickory Tavern School Assistant Principal), Jamie Flaniken (2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year), Gwen Freitas (Gray Court-Owings School Teacher), Carla Leggett (Ford Elementary School Support Staff), Tiasha Madden (Laurens District 55 High School Counselor), Tiffany McElveen (Laurens Middle School Principal), Kimberly Penland (Ford Elementary School Principal), Amber Triffon (Sanders Middle School Teacher), Cindy Wright (District Arts Coordinator); LCSD 55 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council members – Caroline Gillespie (Gray Court-Owings School), Max Martin, and Alexander Martinez (Laurens District 55 High School); Parent -Julie Edwards; Laurens County community members and leaders – Patsy Campbell (Community Member) Jonathan Coleman (President & Chief Executive Officer of Laurens County Development Corporation), Jake Cooper (Owner of Big Air Laurens), Dabs Davis (President & Chief Executive Officer of Laurens County Chamber of Commerce), Jeff Field (Executive Director of Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission), Julie Lawson (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and Tim Marsh (Pastor of First Baptist Church).
The first Steering Committee Meeting was held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and was facilitated by Amanda Lecaroz, Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, and Professional Learning, and Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland. The next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. These meetings focus on reviewing data, community input, and draft priorities aligned to the District’s vision for a 5-Star Culture of Excellence.
At the first meeting, parent Julie Edwards shared that she volunteered to be on the committee because she believes it is important to work with the school district her child is enrolled in. She added that regardless of whether she has a child in the district or not, she volunteered because the community should participate in helping the district move forward for the benefit of the students and the community.
Jeff Field, also a parent, echoed Julie’s sentiments and summed it eloquently, “I volunteered to be part of the Steering Committee because a successful school district builds a successful community.”
LCSD 55 is on the same page as Edwards and Field. As part of the Think Together initiative, LCSD 55 invites all stakeholders—including parents, staff, business leaders, community leaders, and community members—to participate in upcoming Focus Group Meetings. These sessions will provide opportunities to share perspectives, offer ideas, and help inform the goals and strategies of the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
Focus Group Meeting Dates and Locations:
- Monday, February 9, 2026, Spanish-speaking stakeholders are invited to attend this session, an interpreter will be present
District Administrative Office
301 Hillcrest Drive, Laurens, SC 29360
5:00 – 6:00 PM - Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Hickory Tavern School
163 Neely Ferry Road, Gray Court, SC 29645
5:00 – 6:00 PM - Saturday, February 28, 2026
District Administrative Office
301 Hillcrest Drive, Laurens, SC 29360
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Community feedback gathered during these sessions will play a vital role in shaping district goals, strategies, and priorities for the next five years.
LCSD 55 believes that meaningful engagement leads to stronger outcomes for students and the community as a whole. The Think Together initiative reinforces the District’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and excellence as it plans for the future.
Additional information about the Think Together initiative and the 2026–2031 Strategic Planning process can be found on the District’s website at www.laurens55.org.
