Ann Arbor Public Schools is asking families, students and staff to help shape the district's next five-year plan through an anonymous online survey.

The survey feeds directly into AAPS' 2026–2031 strategic plan, which will guide decisions on programs, resources and student support across the district. As of fall 2025, AAPS enrolled 17,005 students, according to MLive. The district's strategic plan page outlines a planning process stretching into early 2027, ending with Board of Education approval.

The survey takes about 15 to 18 minutes, and responses are anonymous and confidential, according to an AAPS announcement shared by Pittsfield Township posted Friday, Oct. 2. The district called the survey the cornerstone of the planning process and said every response will directly inform its priorities.

The district's planning timeline originally listed the community survey for July through September. At a Sept. 15 Finance and Planning Committee meeting, Parks said additional responses had been received from a re-posted survey and that the district would next move to focus groups and community meetings.

The district has not announced a firm closing date for the re-posted survey.

The fall schedule includes staff focus groups, steering committee meetings, community meetings and a draft plan. A second community survey seeking feedback on that draft is planned for early 2027.

Parks signaled the planning effort as a priority at the start of the school year. "We are looking forward to being engaged with all of our community around some of the decisions that are coming forward that will impact the district," she told WEMU on Aug. 31.

The district said the plan aims to reflect the values and priorities of students, staff and the broader community. Residents who want to weigh in beyond the survey can email [email protected]. A separate interest form for the steering committee is available on the district's strategic plan page.

Board of Education approval of the new plan is scheduled for March 2027.