On April 17, we called together close to 90 people from all walks of Lincoln life for the Superintendent’s Facility Advisory Committee. The purpose was to begin the conversation regarding Lincoln Public Schools facilities and infrastructure planning for the future. As a district that is rapidly growing and coming to the end of the proceeds of the previous bond issue, it is indeed time to think about the next ten years. And the group we have convened is dynamic, energetic, passionate and, above all, supportive of our public schools.
By the close of the evening the group had identified five overarching considerations that should drive our planning:
- Technology
- Safety and security
- Facilities/Infrastructure – existing and new
- Career academy and career readiness
- Student Services/Mental Health/Before, During, and After School
Perhaps most impressive about this group is that, despite being busy in their personal and professional lives, very few people declined our invitation to participate. As I mentioned at the meeting, this is one more illustration of how Lincoln supports its schools – with people willing to volunteer their precious time to help us meet our mission. I am very thankful to all.
In other business, although there is still more than a month of school left in this year and graduation celebrations to follow, we have been hard at work planning for next year. Of course, the budget is a year-round process but it is almost time to further articulate and develop the budget for the 2013-14 school year. Each year we have more needs than resources but, depending on the final resolution of state aid this spring, we should have some wiggle room to address our major areas.
I’ll close by introducing Dr. Eric Weber and Dr. Liz Standish as new members of the LPS District Office executive team. Both come with outstanding experiences as educators and administrators in urban school districts, and an understanding of our mission and vision for the future. I am excited to introduce them to our great community and our schools.
Until next time,
Steve
