DynEval Solutions
BloomED
Raccah Strategies LLC
Strategic Partnership with Explore Schools: A Case Study
In April 2025, DynEval Solutions, BloomED, and Raccah Strategies partnered with Explore Charter Schools
(a network of three K-8 schools in Brooklyn, NY) to develop Vision ’31, their comprehensive
5-year strategic plan. Over ten months, our team collaborated with leadership, staff, families, and
stakeholders to create a roadmap focused on academic excellence, enrichment, branding, and financial
sustainability. The plan was unanimously accepted in January 2026, setting the network for impact
through 2031.
The Winning Approach
Strong Collaboration
Open communication fostered trust, enabling candid discussions about priorities and resources in a psychologically safe environment.
Receptiveness & Flexibility
Deep engagement beyond initial scope, with a reflective approach that ensured meaningful co-creation and true ownership.
Partnership Over Handoff
Active involvement in synthesis, priority-setting, and drafting increased buy-in and prepared teams for effective implementation.
Starting with the End
The Portrait of an Explore Graduate framework served as a North Star, aligning stakeholders around shared outcomes from the outset.
10
Months
Collaborative partnership timeline
3
Charters
K-8 charter schools in Brooklyn network
6
Schools
Visited for comprehensive walkthroughs
4
Core Priorities
Strategic focus areas through 2031
Deep Dive into Vision ’31: Process and Impact
Effective Processes & Tools
🤝
Comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement
Close collaboration with executive cabinet, governing board, and steering committee representing diverse stakeholders across the organization.
🏫
School & Community Walkthroughs
Visited all six campuses and surrounding neighborhoods to build context, strengthen relationships, and center student experiences.
🎯
Structured Prioritization Protocol
Facilitated exercise to narrow dozens of initiatives to four core priorities, revealing strong agreement for resource allocation.
📄
Templates & Exemplars
Provided development plan outlines and graduate portraits from the field to accelerate planning.
Outcome & Impact
Vision ’31 is a dynamic strategic plan, reflecting the Explore community’s hopes and positioning the
network for sustainable impact. Balancing ambition with realism, it now guides decision-making
during implementation.
“Our consultants didn’t just deliver a plan — they built our capacity to think and act strategically. They listened deeply, challenged us thoughtfully, and equipped us with tools we continue to use. This was a true partnership, and it shows in the plan we now own with confidence.”
— Explore Schools, Inc. Leadership Team
