Post by doctorwho on Sept 13, 2010 20:47:23 GMT -6
Message from the Superintendent
Dear District 204 Community,
I hope your school year is off to a good start. I've had the chance to visit classrooms and attend events since school started and it is gratifying to see so many students eager to learn and represent their school. It's a reminder of what is most important in our work each day -- our students.
My focus continues to be on three areas this year -- academics, finances, and communication. It was exciting to see the news last month about our students' ACT scores increasing. Our scores remain significantly higher than the state average, which actually decreased this year. In addition to the work our teachers do to prepare our students, I'd like to thank our parents and students for their continued focus on academics. Remarkably, since 2005, our ACT scores have increased by 1.1.
The area of finances continues to be challenging due to uncertainties from the State. After cutting $21.4 million from this year's budget, we learned the State will use the Federal Jobs Bill to restore some of its education funding. The 145 teachers that we had to let go in the spring were all offered jobs back in our district or found employment in other districts. We will continue to monitor the ever-fluid education funding situation so that we can best prepare for next year.
Last year I had the opportunity to visit with many parents as I attended a PTA/PTSA meeting at each school. It was a wonderful way to connect with parents and hear their thoughts on education. I continue to focus on increased communication and transparency to our community. You will soon be receiving our Report to the Community. It provides a summary of important academic and financial data. If it hasn't arrived in your mailbox yet, you can view a copy on our website at Report to the Community.
To increase transparency, we are also launching 204tv.org. When you visit 204tv.org you will find an on-demand video channel where you can watch board meetings as well as presentations related to academics and finances. It is all delivered to your computer when it is most convenient for you.
I'll continue to use 204 e-News this year to provide you with updates during the school year. I hope you have a great year and I look forward to celebrating the many student successes that lie ahead.
Kathy Birkett, Superintendent
Dear District 204 Community,
I hope your school year is off to a good start. I've had the chance to visit classrooms and attend events since school started and it is gratifying to see so many students eager to learn and represent their school. It's a reminder of what is most important in our work each day -- our students.
My focus continues to be on three areas this year -- academics, finances, and communication. It was exciting to see the news last month about our students' ACT scores increasing. Our scores remain significantly higher than the state average, which actually decreased this year. In addition to the work our teachers do to prepare our students, I'd like to thank our parents and students for their continued focus on academics. Remarkably, since 2005, our ACT scores have increased by 1.1.
The area of finances continues to be challenging due to uncertainties from the State. After cutting $21.4 million from this year's budget, we learned the State will use the Federal Jobs Bill to restore some of its education funding. The 145 teachers that we had to let go in the spring were all offered jobs back in our district or found employment in other districts. We will continue to monitor the ever-fluid education funding situation so that we can best prepare for next year.
Last year I had the opportunity to visit with many parents as I attended a PTA/PTSA meeting at each school. It was a wonderful way to connect with parents and hear their thoughts on education. I continue to focus on increased communication and transparency to our community. You will soon be receiving our Report to the Community. It provides a summary of important academic and financial data. If it hasn't arrived in your mailbox yet, you can view a copy on our website at Report to the Community.
To increase transparency, we are also launching 204tv.org. When you visit 204tv.org you will find an on-demand video channel where you can watch board meetings as well as presentations related to academics and finances. It is all delivered to your computer when it is most convenient for you.
I'll continue to use 204 e-News this year to provide you with updates during the school year. I hope you have a great year and I look forward to celebrating the many student successes that lie ahead.
Kathy Birkett, Superintendent