State of the Schools - Superintendent Letter

Superintendent Letter

Vital Signs for Akron's Future Akron Public Schools State-of-the-Schools Report February 2011

The journey to self-discovery and insight is often portrayed as a solitary enterprise; however, I believe some of the most meaningful paths in life are the ones you travel with others – much like the path for student success that we forged together over the last few years.

Ensuring student achievement remains our primary mission; to have all students learning at high levels and every job in the district supporting classroom efforts, our highest calling. We’ve made real progress on this path by establishing a clear map for accountability and success with these five, district-wide goals:

• ensuring high-quality teaching and learning
• creating safe, orderly schools
• seeking adequate resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility
• building community relationships
• recruiting, retaining and developing a highly skilled staff

To you, the stakeholders of our schools, this report provides a summary of how we are meeting your expectations for efficiency, effectiveness and excellence. I hope it provides something more, though – a glimpse of how the open exchange of different voices and visions between teachers, staff, partners and stakeholders alike can galvanize into a force for the common good, a collaborative spirit with the courage and commitment to transform education in our community to prepare our children for the 21^st century with the right skills, for the right job, at the right time.

You have a personal investment in Akron Public Schools; and, in 2011, that return will be stronger than ever. But, as the journey is ongoing, we must remember that success is measured not only by the steps you have taken but by the steps you will take. Moving forward, I am confident the path we’re on is moving us in the right direction.

Sincerely,

David W. James, Superintendent
Akron Public Schools