Q Are the schools and teachers ready for the new school year?
A Our school grounds and facilities will be ready for the start of school. We have had several projects completed this summer including roofing, drainage, sidewalks, technology upgrades, and interior updates. Our maintenance, custodial and summer staff have done an excellent job in preparing safe and attractive grounds and facilities.
Our teachers will be ready for another school year. We have some outstanding staff who have already been in the buildings preparing for the upcoming year.
Q School assessment scores have been good for the district. What will the district do to see that continues?
A We will continue to utilize assessment data to address concerned areas within the curriculum. Assessments are not only a measure of student knowledge but also a measure of how well we are teaching the curriculum. We will continue to address students who are at-risk and develop initiatives to better facilitate their learning styles. Our teaching staff does a great job of connecting with students and parents. I appreciate the caring professional approach students receive from our staff.
Q What do you think will happen with No Child Left Behind under the Obama administration?
A Eventually the 100 percent bar will have to change. We continue to strive for academic growth of all students. Schools will be held to a high standard of accountability but I hope there is some rational and reasonable changes in attempting to get all students 100 percent proficient. Our students come to us with quite different needs and readiness for learning. Public schools do an amazing job of preparing and developing students with this in mind.
Q What are the school budgets like for this year?
A This as been a challenging and frustrating area for school boards and staff. We have made painful cuts and changes to maintain our goals and programs. We will continue to do more with less and make the most of what we have. It is critical to keep the focus on kids and communicate with our families and patrons.
Q Are you looking at shutting any schools down?
A This has not been on our table. The demographics of our district makes this a tough issue.
Q What advice do you have for the students coming into the district?
A Absorb the opportunities given to you each and every school day. There is a ton of wisdom and knowledge surrounding you, tap into it and give everything and all of your teachers a chance. Technology is what kids are growing up with and it is what most of them will work with in their professional careers. Share with each other and facilitate each other in this area.
My most important advice for kids is to use your manners each and every day. Never pass up an opportunity to say thank you. Take care of people and people will take care of you. These will be some of the best years of your life.
Q Are there any major changes for this school year?
A We have purchased Promethean interactive boards for Grades 3-6 in our elementary buildings. This technology is very interactive with students and teachers. We are looking forward to the opportunities for students and staff.
Q What is enrollment looking like for this year?
A We anticipate being down some as our kindergarten class is smaller than last year’s graduating seniors.
Q Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A We want to welcome our students and staff back. Thank you to our staff, students, parents, patrons, and our communities for their support and encouragement of our schools. We are looking forward to another positive and successful school year.