We have had a very productive and busy year thus far. We had a smooth opening, even with our consolidation of schools. We are making strides on our strategic goals, and have seen great improvements in student performance making 98 percent of our every expanding Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals. Our A Plus College Ready Program continues to grow with more minority students taking Advanced Placement classes than ever and the total number of qualifying scores increasing significantly. The new magnet program at Carr Middle is up and running, and we expect to unveil the drawing of the new high school in just a few days. I am also thrilled that the board’s support of fiscal recommendations and our hard work have paid off with our ending the year with nearly $8 million in reserves - $5 million more than we had expected.

I am very pleased that our partnerships with the community continue to grow. I am especially thankful this holiday season for our relationship with the Chamber and our business and governmental partners. The shining stars of these efforts are the very successful Academy programs (which have grown by 25 percent) in our traditional high schools. We know that our community leaders are behind our schools and our students. The Advisory Committees have raised money, but more importantly, they have given their time and their talent to our efforts to improve education in Montgomery.

I am also impressed with the efforts of our teachers and staff as we work with the Alabama Best Practices Center. Their desire to learn and grow into the best educators they can be is inspiring. They remain focused on our schools, our children and our task to prepare each one for life. I have to admit – I am very excited about the future.

Our students are wonderful. While the public often hears only about the small percentage of students who cause trouble, the majority of our children work hard and focus on creating a future for themselves and our community.

We are thankful and proud.

As we get ready for our winter break, let us take time to pause and reflect on our greatest gift - our children. Over the holidays some of you will exchange expensive material gifts, however please remember there are some gifts you cannot buy. In today’s fast paced society, where both parents often work and we are all occupied with preparations for the holidays, nothing is as precious to a child as a parent’s time and attention. I believe it is one of the most important contributions a parent can make towards their child’s quality of life and education. I encourage you to give your child these precious gifts…your time, patience, understanding, and most importantly … your love.