The school year is off to a wonderful start. I am always amazed at how eager teachers, students AND parents are for school to begin. I am not sure that is true everywhere.
We are settled in at LPSDO and recently held an open house that had more than 800 guests. WOW!!!. Thanks for all that incredible support. We are indeed fortunate.
I am excited at the work we have upon us this next year. For one, the board will be responding to community recommendations for facility and infrastructure planning. As of today, we have many more needs than available funds brought on by student growth, aging facilities and the need to address security and plan for the looming digital transformation. I don’t envy the work facing our board as they will have to prioritize and narrow the list to an amount that is affordable and equitable. Stay tuned.
The Career Center is moving aggressively forward. We now have a formal agreement with SCC and will soon have the details as to which career pathways/clusters will be the cornerstones of this exciting new delivery concept. The opening of a similar concept in Grand Island has generated statewide enthusiasm for what the future will bring for kids that will be able to engage in purposeful learning that leads to a career.
Finally, we are able to put resources to a technology plan that has been in the works for the last several years. Phase 1 will be laptops for each teacher to begin the training process in digital delivery and management. The existing computers will be re-purposed for student use. Phase 2 will be to ensure that each building has the infrastructure to support what we need and Phase 3 will be curriculum and student access.
As we have settled into new digs, passed an excellent budget that helps us regain our momentum and prepare for yet another stellar student growth number, I am reminded of all the great things that are happening in our schools. Thank you to all for making success for kids happen.
Steve Joel
