From the Superintendent's Desk
We All Can Make A Difference (September 2008)
Kyrene Elementary School District is celebrating 120 years of educating students this year! Arizona was still a territory when early settlers in this area petitioned the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for the establishment of a new school district and Kyrene began on August 6, 1888. That makes us one of the oldest school districts in the state and we are very proud of the role we have played in helping to bring this community from the remote rural-desert setting that it once was to the highly successful and desirable urban living environment that it is today.
By any measure Kyrene is a highly successful school district, from administrative overhead versus “in the classroom” dollar figures to the national award winning technology program to achievement results much higher than the state average on the AIMS test. We are in a time in this community where we are being asked to make some very important decisions about how the future will look and it is imperative that all citizens are well educated and informed about the choices they will be asked to make in the November elections. Voters will be asked to determine whether the Kyrene Elementary School District should be combined with the Tempe Elementary and Tempe Union High School districts. While the Governing Boards of each district have taken a stand against this initiative, it is up to the voters to decide what will happen. Please take the time to seek information about the ramifications of either a Yes or a No vote. Kyrene staff members spent a great deal of time conducting a comprehensive analysis of every aspect of this issue and most of it is available on the district website (www.kyrene.org).
Another important decision includes the selection of Governing Board members for three open seats in Kyrene. There are nine candidates running for these seats and it is most important to know who the candidates are, why they are interested in serving and what they stand for. Anyone who has ever served on a Governing Board for a school district knows that the work, while fulfilling, is also challenging and complex. It requires individuals who have the ability and time necessary to understand the entire system and also to comprehend how a decision on one issue can have multiple impacts on other parts of the system. It is gratifying to know that this community wants to contribute to Kyrene’s future success, especially during a time when other school districts have no one running for open seats. My goal to visit every classroom in the 19 elementary and 6 middle schools in Kyrene at the beginning of this school year will shortly be realized. My message to all students and staff members through these visits is that I care about each student, it matters what is happening in each classroom and we all can make a difference. Kyrene’s mission states…ensure continuous academic achievement and personal growth for every student. We take this very seriously and believe that Kyrene schools are up to the task!
David Schauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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