The Mehlville School District is unveiling “Mehlville Listens,” the first five-year update to its first-ever strategic plan, and is asking for input from residents.

Throughout the 2019-2020 school year, the district will be asking residents to share feedback about student preparation, teacher support, and effective and efficient operations.

“We’re trying to get the community a little more involved… We’re using year 4 to plan or get input and then year 5 we’ll put kind of more of the meat on the bones of the plan for implementation,” Superintendent Chris Gaines said. “This year’s engagement, next year will be planning, the year after will be Year 1 of implementation.”

The district will be using an online service called ThoughtExchange to gather feedback and allow residents to share their thoughts. The first ThoughtExchange is open now and runs through Aug. 30. The district would like to know: What should Mehlville School District be doing to prepare students for life after graduation?

Residents can answer the question online and rate the thoughts of other community members. The feedback will be placed on the district’s website so that everyone can see the survey answers.

The district will also be continuing the conversation throughout the year by changing the format of the Board of Education listening sessions to be centered around the “Mehlville Listens” questions. The district will also use its 60-Plus luncheons to gather feedback from senior citizens.

The listening sessions will take place:

• Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6:30-8 p.m., Bernard Middle School, 1054 Forder Road, St. Louis, MO 63129

• Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30-8 p.m., Buerkle Middle School, 623 Buckley Road, St. Louis, MO 63125

• Tuesday, March 10, 6:30-8 p.m., Oakville Middle School, 5950 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63129

• Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-8 p.m., Washington Middle School, 5165 Ambs Road, St. Louis, MO 63128