Back in August, I said the first day of school was the opening ceremony for our Olympic Year. That makes today our closing ceremony. Appropriately, a variety of celebrations are happening across our district today, this evening and into tomorrow. From field days to fifth-grade send off celebrations and eighth grade promotion assemblies, to our graduation festivities at Rupp Arena, students, staff and families are marking the passage of milestones and celebrating the closure of another school year with fanfare.

Unlike the anticipation and excitement an opening naturally brings, our closing ceremonies make me feel a little wistful. The goodbyes at the end of the year are hard, as we say farewell to retiring employees or send off our graduates to the next chapters of their lives. Feelings are a mix of excitement for those leaving for their next adventure and a sense of loss for our district. It helps me to focus on the fact that we have been made better for having known these individuals.

Closing ceremonies are also a time for reflection. So many of you rose to our challenge this year to “Go for Gold!” I know that this year we served students in the Fayette County Public Schools at the highest levels ever. I have seen innovation, creativity and determination as our staff worked to address the needs of all kids. I have been blown away by the resulting achievements of our students. So many people have worked to help our kids achieve gold – thank you for meeting that Olympic standard of going “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”

The end of the school year is also a time to look ahead. Unlike Olympic athletes who train for four years between games, we have just a few short weeks. Before we know it, August will be here with new students, new staff and returning students and staff intent on new challenges and achievements. Take time this summer to recharge and reflect, but also to anticipate the upcoming year and imagine ways we can continue our path to excellence. We are on the right track in this school district and I’m excited about where our journey will take us.

You may have seen some news reports about state funding shortfalls and budget cuts at the state level. While no decisions have yet happened we are very fortunate that the Governor and our other state leaders have expressed intentions to protect educational funding as much as possible. At this point, we continue to be in good financial shape and will be able to absorb this cut while keeping existing staffing levels.

Thank you for a great year! See you in August.