Thanks to all who worked so hard in preparation for the 2008-2009 school year. Throughout the district, great things are already happening in our schools and after only a few days, people are calling this our smoothest opening yet. It’s amazing to step back and realize that we opened three new schools this summer and moved another in preparation for renovation, yet everything went off without a hitch. Truly, our “opening ceremonies” have set the tone for a fantastic year.

In honor of the Summer Olympics, which kicked off just ahead of our school year, our theme for 2008-2009 is "Going for the gold." I have no doubt that we are already headed in that direction. As I watched swimmer Michael Phelps do what many would have thought impossible by earning his eighth gold medal this past weekend, it inspired me anew to realize that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. We can push ourselves beyond any limits as we work to help all 35,000 of our students reach out for the gold.

I want you to know that I do not use the word “all” lightly. I understand what that expectation means for our schools, our teachers and our staff members. It requires a commitment to care for the individual needs of every single child entrusted to us. We must find ways to help the student who comes to school having never been read to before. We must find yet another way of teaching the same concept because there’s still one student who hasn’t mastered it. We must connect with families wracked with financial and social challenges and help them overcome strife that might seem insurmountable so that education can be a priority. We must care so much for every child that we will not let anything stand in the way of teaching them and helping them achieve. And lastly, we must instill a love for learning in each of our students.

When I say that our commitment is to provide a world-class education for every single student, I know full well that it will take sacrifice, creativity, intensity and uncommon valor. But I also know that this district is blessed with the most talented group of employees I have ever seen assembled, a wealth of resources and a community that will do anything to support our efforts. I have never seen a district so poised to shatter world records as we are. There are amazing opportunities available in all of our schools, and our challenge is to help all students take advantage of what is offered.

Without a doubt, Michael Phelps is an amazing individual. But in his comments after winning his eighth gold medal, he acknowledged that he could not have done it alone. He said, “These guys made it possible. The relay really made it possible. It shows how much teamwork and togetherness we have. It’s amazing to be a part of it. I wanted to do something that no one’s ever done in this sport, and without the help of my teammates, it wouldn’t have been possible. … To be a part of Team USA is one of the best memories I’ll take away from this.”

Allow me to close by saying that being a part of Team Fayette County is an amazing gift. This district is focused on kids in every facet of our organization. I have seen our bus drivers, our cafeteria workers, our custodians, our district support staff, our administrators, our teachers, our instructional assistants, our clerical support staff and so many others go out of their way for our students. Thank you for your service. Just like a team swimming in a relay, we must all work together with everyone doing his or her part. When we work in synch and each of us performs our best, our kids are the winners!

I would be remiss if I did not mention that our wonderful school board chairman, Larry Conner, has accepted a new job in Jonesboro, Ga., and is resigning his position at the end of the month. Larry has been an outstanding board member who always put kids first, and we will miss him. Not only has he been a tremendous asset and advocate for our kids, our employees and our school district, he’s been a strong mentor and inspiration for me personally. I feel confident that the changes Larry fought for in our district are well on the way to becoming reality. We have made great strides under his leadership, and I know that we will have a strong candidate step forward to take his place on the board.