NEW STAFF FOR 2012-2013 I believe that one of the most important things I do as Superintendent is to be on a continuing search for the highest quality teachers and support staff that we can find. Our interview process is extremely rigorous. For example, our teacher candidates are required to prepare and demonstrate a lesson plan. We do our best to have candidates teach those lessons in front of students. Finding "star" quality teachers is always our goal. We are looking for teachers that have enthusiasm, passion and commitment. It is my priority that we continue to raise the bar of expectations in this district by searching for the highest quality people possible. We encourage you to come in to our buildings and give us any feedback you have. We are always looking for ways to improve our service to students and the community.
At a recent community meeting there was discussion about the tendency for educational professionals to protect those within their ranks when questions are raised. It was referred to as a "circle the wagons" mentality. I want you to know that, as Superintendent of this district, I support your right to ask questions whenever you feel it is necessary. I believe that if you have a concern about any of our staff members you should always feel comfortable reporting your concerns, and should expect a satisfactory and respectful response. Since coming to the district I have often heard parents say that they are fearful of retribution as a result of questioning the judgment of teachers or administrators. It is my promise to you that I would not condone or allow this to occur. Your concerns must be addressed quickly and with respect for your child and you.
This does not mean that we do not support our staff members, and I do not wish to give the impression that we will encourage baseless accusations that are without substance or fact. I believe that as individuals and professionals, all of us can and do make mistakes. We do not always make the best choices in our response to situations. However, I will expect that our staff listens, is respectful, helpful, customer service oriented, and will do their very best to help your child become the best they can be. We must have high expectations for our staff if we wish our students to become successful adults. If you have a problem, I simply ask that you go directly to the source of the problem first. If you do not find a reasonable response or solution, please contact the direct supervisor or Principal of the person involved for assistance. If you do not believe the Principal or Supervisor was able to give you a reasonable response you may request that I intervene or provide assistance in solving the problem.
This philosophy is what I believe will create a true customer service friendly environment, and will help us become a better school district. This has been one of our district’s primary goals since 2009, and we will continue to work to get better at what we do.
COMPUTER UPDATE In June the Board approved replacement of our existing laptops with newer models. By making the change now, we will save our district over $400,000. The new MacBook Air will be a faster, more durable product with all around better graphics and educational capabilities. When we first started this initiative we knew that it would save money as well as provide an excellent teaching tool for our students. Our belief has not changed in this regard. We know that our students are doing things that other schools have not yet begun to attempt to offer. The presence of laptops does not guarantee that every student will be an honor student. It is simply a tool that is present in business and industry around the world. It is important that our student have access to this tool and learn how to use it effectively and efficiently. It is important that we also ask parents to play an active role in the education of their children by making sure the tool is used appropriately and that their work is being completed on schedule. The new models will be made available to students in August. Please be watching the Photojournal and our website for announcements about these dates.
LUNCH PRICE INCREASE In 2010 congress approved SB210, otherwise known as the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010". The Act requires school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program to ensure sufficient funds are provided to the nonprofit food service account for lunches served to students not eligible for free or reduced price meals. There are two ways to meet this requirement: (1) through the prices charged for "paid" lunches; or (2) through other non-Federal sources provided to the nonprofit school food service account. An example of a non-Federal source would be local tax revenue.
In past years our school food service program has been self-supporting. We have been careful to monitor revenues and expenditures to insure that the general fund did not have to subsidize the school lunch program. That may no longer be possible with the new nutritional requirements included in SB210. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more expensive to purchase, and require additional labor to prepare. This is a reality that districts across the nation are facing.
An additional requirement in SB210 is that school districts raise prices for paid lunches to insure that the food service program is properly funded. A formula for that price adjustment is included in the new law.
To comply with these regulations, lunches for the 2012-2013 school year will be priced as follows:
Student Breakfast – all schools - $1.40
Student Lunch – Vermilion Elementary School - $2.25
Student Lunch – Sailorway Middle School - $2.40
Student Lunch – Vermilion High School - $2.40
Milk – 50 cents Students who are eligible for reduced price lunches will pay the amount established by Federal Authorities. We will publish this amount as soon as it is available.
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