Proration reduced state funds by $37 million in just three years. This year we expected a $0 balance in reserves, but now we project about $4 million at the end of this fiscal year. That took hard work and some strategic decisions by the board.

Consolidating schools was a big step in the right direction. Closing six schools and other buildings helped our bottom line and kept money in the classrooms. We are more efficient and accountable in the Central Office. Most elementary students now live closer to the schools they attend and schools are able to take advantage of resources like additional counselors or librarians. There will be some growing pains with consolidation and rezoning. While we are working to minimize any issues, the first few days of school will require some adjustments with personnel, books and even furniture. Those issues will be attended to and quickly resolved.

We are working to enhance our interaction with parents and the community. This includes offering workshops like last weekend’s Middle School Showcase where parents were given the chance to learn more about the middle grades. For the first time kindergarten open houses were standardized district-wide. Family picnics and grade level orientation for students are planned. We have added a Facebook page to our communication toolbox along with our new website where anyone can sign up for emails with information about board meetings and system news.

Of course our focus to prepare children for life centers on academics. In addition to the training for teachers, an emphasis on student achievement is at the core of our work. Partnerships with the Chamber and the business community in our high school academies, including the new Aerospace Engineering Academy at Brewbaker Tech, help students and area employers. Expanded programs like the new pre-Advanced Placement (AP)/ International Baccalaureate (IB) (IB is a intensive academic program that requires a two year application process) at Carr Middle School, and additional slots at MacMillan International Academy allow more students to take part in our nationally recognized magnet programs.

We are improving opportunities for students as they prepare for their lives after graduation. The skills and knowledge they acquire give students an advantage as they apply for careers or higher education. Credit recovery, Saturday School, and other programs designed to help students who are at-risk are also helping to move student achievement forward while keeping standards high.

Growth requires change – and rarely does change meet with everyone’s approval. Sometimes change requires some adjustment before problems are solved. While there may be times when the reasons for change are not immediately evident, everything we do is to help our students reach their full potential. Children are our most precious resource.