Up and running

We are off to a great start this school year! I have had the opportunity to visit more classrooms and I have been impressed with what I am seeing. Also, our directors and leadership teams across the district are doing learning walks to observe what’s happening in our classrooms with our kids. As we see great things going on, we share those ideas with others and when we see areas needing improvement we point them out and make concrete suggestions so we can make corrections. This year the learning walks have been expanded throughout the entire district, with principal facilitators leading groups from our schools to observe each other. Ultimately, everyone benefits from these walks, especially our kids!

This school year we are focusing on four main questions to drive learning in our classrooms:

  1. What is it that we expect our students to learn?
  2. How will we know if they have learned it?
  3. What will we do if they haven't learned it?
  4. What will we do if they already know it?

Having strong answers to these questions guarantees that all of our kids will learn at high levels. As we travel through our buildings we will be looking for the tangible applications of these questions. We are very excited as we build a community of learners.

Also last week, many of you are aware that our Fayette County Board of Education took a huge step forward for the future of our schools and our kids with the approval of a 5.5 cent property tax strictly for school buildings and renovations. This is the first time in more than 40 years that the school district has asked the community to support such an increase for facilities. The revenue generated, which by law has to be spent only on bricks and mortar projects, will allow the district to complete the $290 million list of facility repairs that need to be completed immediately.

During a public hearing before the board’s vote, there was overwhelming support for the decision. Of the 31 people who spoke, 27 people urged the school board to pass the tax. One person had a question, and three people opposed the move. The next morning, a group of business and community leaders stepped forward to support the school board, announcing the formation of a group called “It’s About Kids … And Where They Learn.”

Please know that as our year progresses we are here to serve. If you need us, please do not hesitate to call upon us!