A Track Record That Speaks For Itself

By Ruth Palmer

In our nearly 8 years as School Board members, we have seen this district progress from one that, in 1992, was unfocused, struggling and demoralized to one that, in the year 2000, has clear goals, a plan to achieve them and the unity to succeed. We have worked hard as a district and community to build a financial, instructional, and physical infrastructure that reflects our commitment to improving academic performance.

Collaboration and partnership have come to characterize this school district and have produced an "working infrastructure" that has helped reduce class size, build buildings, increase revenues, improve test scores, provide for continued staff development and the support of new and tenured teachers among many other accomplishments.

Prior to 1994 our district was widely viewed as dysfunctional, replete with warring factions within the ranks of the Board, the administration, teachers, and the community. We are now viewed as a model district for our literacy initiatives, school-linked services, healthy start, and language immersion programs. And, not surprisingly, the money has followed. Community foundations who see our district as progressive and as an excellent investment continue to award grants that support our academic and student support programs.

Instead of sinking under the weight of conflicting agendas, as happened numerous times in the past, this district has united to become the hub of our community. Our resources, our policies, and our actions are all aligned with one single goal: to build a teaching and learning environment that supports student success. The role of the Board-and each board member-- is to keep the district and community moving as one towards that goal. That is what responsible governance is all about.