Tiberias – Strategic Education Plan
Background
The initiative was launched to strengthen Tiberias’ education system not simply through external funding, but by building the local system’s capacity to plan, make decisions, coordinate efforts, and lead long-term change. Based on the I-Delta methodology, the process followed five stages: preparation, collaborative learning, prioritization and goal-setting, implementation, and institutionalization. A key outcome was the development of the Municipal Education Master Plan, a strategic roadmap providing a shared direction for the city’s education system.
The Challenge
he main challenge was to shift from separate programs and initiatives to a coordinated citywide education system with a shared strategic vision, data-driven decision-making, and the local capacity to sustain change without long-term dependence on external support. The initiative needed to address multiple areas simultaneously—including schools, early childhood education, vulnerable populations, and the broader municipal system—while strengthening coordination and establishing mechanisms to embed lasting change.
The Opportunity
The multi-year initiative created an opportunity to move beyond isolated interventions and build a sustainable citywide education system. A shared vision, established work processes, professional forums, and data-driven management tools strengthened the system’s ability to address ongoing educational priorities while adapting to changing circumstances and crises. By embedding these capabilities within the local system, the initiative laid the groundwork for continued progress beyond the Taib Foundation’s involvement.
Objectives
To strengthen Tiberias’ municipal education system’s capacity to plan and lead change independently; establish a shared strategic vision; empower local leadership and data-driven decision-making; improve continuity and collaboration across educational settings and age groups; and develop mechanisms to sustain long-term change.
Course of Action
Based on the I-Delta methodology, the initiative combined strategic planning, implementation, and long-term capacity building. The Municipal Education Master Plan provided a shared framework for strengthening school leadership, early childhood education, support for vulnerable populations, and citywide coordination. The final stage focused on embedding sustainable management processes and enabling the municipality to continue independently.
Impact
The initiative strengthened Tiberias’ education system by establishing shared professional practices, coordination mechanisms, and data-driven decision-making. This resilience was demonstrated during the October 2023 war, when Tiberias welcomed approximately 13,200 evacuees, including 2,750 students who were integrated into the local education system within days. Before concluding its involvement, the Taib Foundation addressed risks to long-term sustainability through knowledge documentation, established management structures, and multi-year budgeting. The initiative concluded with stronger local leadership and professional capacity to sustain progress independently.
What We’ve Learned
Long-term municipal change creates lasting impact when it strengthens local capacity rather than dependence on external support. Investing in leadership, knowledge, management tools, and established work processes can be just as important as direct funding. We’ve learned that meaningful change takes time, allowing local systems to develop ownership, adapt their practices, and build resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. The key lesson is that the success of a long-term partnership is measured not only by what it achieves, but by the local system’s ability to sustain and advance progress independently after the partnership ends.