State of the Schools 2012 - Superintendent's Letter

Superintendent's Letter

Real Progress. Real Promise. Because APS Students are Akron's Future Akron Public Schools State-of-the-Schools Report February 2012

As I prepared for this year's annual State-of-the-Schools speech, I'm focused on two overwhelming, and related, feelings: pride in our district's many accomplishments and concern for impending budget cuts.

We're making real progress, and we want to keep moving forward.

The Ohio Department of Education awarded the district a Continuous Improvement ranking this year, with more of our schools in Continuous Improvement and 14 schools rated Effective or Excellent.

But we face a tough financial road ahead. We will need the community's support.

With this report, APS provides a summary of how we are meeting your expectations for efficiency, effectiveness and excellence.

All of our operational and instructional decisions are based on five district-wide goals:

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning
• Recruit, develop and retain high performing staff
• Actively build relationships with students, staff, family and community
• Seek resources that will ensure a high-quality education for all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility
• Provide safe, orderly and affirming community learning centers

We're working toward these goals not only for parents and students but for our community as a whole. Strong schools support a strong community.

Please make it your personal mission to learn about our district, and then spread the word.

Sincerely,

David W. James, Superintendent
Akron Public Schools