Welcome back to all of our students and staff for a new year, 2004! Each new year brings a sense of excitement and optimism that gives us hope and renewed energy. This year is no exception as we need much hope and will call upon superhuman energy to meet the challenges facing our State's financial crisis and the impact that will have on our classrooms.

The Governor's proposed budget plan provides some hope for our school district. We have been fearing some very severe cuts that would be very difficult to implement after two successive years of massive reductions in staff and programs. Even though the proposed plan calls for some reductions, they may be gradual enough for us to handle one step at a time. There will be considerable fighting from special interest groups as this budget is debated and finally adopted sometime next summer (we hope!).

Our significant challenges in this new year will be to get our new magnet high schools underway. The barriers to this still include property acquisition and planning for the magnet themes. Other challenges include implementing the new mandates of No Child Left Behind for both student testing and staffing requirements. We are challenged to develop a common school calendar that will serve our community, our families and our schools in the most efficient manner. We must market our district and our schools in a manner that highlights the positive and successful learning environment that our students receive each day. These along with countless school and classroom goals will keep us all busy in the coming weeks.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Dave Cowles, Ed.D.
Superintendent