SEPTEMBER 6, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to a new school year! I hope you had a great summer and that you are feeling recharged and as excited as I am to welcome back students.

The promise of a fresh school year is a feeling you never forget. I can still remember the excitement of my first Superintendent’s Conference Day as a teacher 25 years ago. Throughout the school year, please invite me to your classrooms. I want to see you in action, with students, doing the incredible work you do.

My commitment to this District is longstanding, and I understand the issues you are facing. I am here to support you to ensure that we have a successful school year. Together, we will provide high-quality learning experiences for every student. We will do this by ensuring they have access to grade-level instruction every day, in every classroom, with fidelity and consistency. We will create opportunities for cross-campus collaboration and aligned professional development experiences, utilizing District-provided resources and curriculum. As a former teacher, I know how important it is to feel supported and have the resources necessary to be successful.

Together, we will build a climate and culture in our schools that are conducive to students and staff, with a renewed focus on establishing one community. Let us focus on highlighting the amazing work happening in our District. As a former building leader, I know how important it is to have a school-wide culture that staff, students, and families are proud of, which includes celebrating the bright spots you all make happen every day.

We have an opportunity in front of us to come together as one unified District and not a District of many schools. As a District leader, I know that it takes a lot of people to get this work done. Each one of us has a role to play in creating a school community that demonstrates our commitment to fostering students’ individual talents and abilities in a nurturing environment of equity. It is up to all of us to ensure all students equitable access to a high-quality education and graduate each student as a productive member of society. That is our District’s mission and vision, not mine…ours! We are One RCSD!

I look forward to working with you this school year, and I am excited about what the future holds for everyone in our District. We all know that invested adults, who love our students, make a difference in each of their lives. On Wednesday, we have the opportunity and privilege to make a difference, and I know each and every one of us is going to work as hard as we can to take advantage of the opportunity. I hope you all have a wonderful Superintendent’s Conference Day and a great first day with students!