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Student Outcomes Focused Governance

Understanding Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG)

In the Fall of 2023, the Creighton School District officially adopted the Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) framework. This transition represents a fundamental shift in how our Governing Board operates, moving away from traditional board oversight and toward a relentless focus on student achievement.

What is Student Outcomes Focused Governance?

The SOFG framework is built on a single, powerful premise: "Student outcomes don't change until adult behaviors change." Historically, school boards often spent the majority of their time discussing operational "inputs"—such as facilities, budgets, and district logistics. Under SOFG, the Creighton School District Board flips the script. We prioritize our time and energy on outputs—the actual academic and social-emotional growth of our students. By changing how the Board leads, we create the necessary conditions for educators and students to thrive.

The Three Pillars of SOFG

To implement this framework effectively, the Board utilizes three primary "levers" to guide the district:

  • Goals: These are specific, measurable, and time-bound targets for what students should know and be able to do. They represent our "North Star" for student achievement.

  • Guardrails: These are the non-negotiable values of the community. Guardrails ensure that while the Superintendent pursues the Board’s goals, they do not ignore essential areas like social-emotional health, equity, or teacher retention.

  • Monitoring: The Board commits to spending at least 50% of its meeting time looking at data to see if students are reaching the set goals. If progress isn't being made, the Board works with the Superintendent to understand what adult behaviors need to shift to get back on track.

Why This Matters

SOFG ensures that every decision made at the board table is filtered through one question: "How does this help our students succeed?" By providing this clarity and holding the system accountable to high standards, we are building a district where every child—regardless of background—has the support they need to reach their full potential.


Student Outcomes Focused Governance Graphic 

Governing Board Goals

Superintendent Guardrails

Governing Board Guardrails

  • Guardrail 1: The Board will spend no less than 50% of its meeting time monitoring progress on student outcome goals – starting at zero today and will be 50% by end of 2024.

  • Guardrail 2: The Board will not allow five years to pass without an Equity audit, a policy review and a SPED review.

  • Guardrail 3: The Board will not conduct its duties without including students, families, teachers, staff and community members (inclusive of those that speak languages other than English) in a manner that inspires broad community ownership of board policy

  • Guardrail 4: The Board will not perform or appear to perform any of the responsibilities delegated to the Superintendent.