Hallways are quiet, desks are empty, but the memories of the 2008-09 school year still linger in schools across Guilford County. It’s hard to believe that this school year has come to a close.
This was an exciting time of transition for me. I was honored to be selected by the Board of Education as your new superintendent last July. For me, education is our most powerful weapon, and moving into this role is very important to me.
I spent my first few months getting to know you and listening to what you had to say about our district. My staff called this campaign “Mo wants to Know,” and it was a fitting name. I continue to be interested in hearing your thoughts, and I will remain as transparent as possible when keeping you informed about GCS.
In January, we launched the strategic plan, the first for GCS. The bar is set high for our schools, employees, students and the community. By working together we can provide opportunities to our students to help them achieve educational excellence, so they can compete at the highest level in the 21st century.
This summer we will launch our regionalization, a major initiative of the strategic plan. This reorganization not only saves administrative dollars, but it puts services and resources closer to our communities. I’m confident that our regional superintendents will be an asset to this district, and I’m excited to introduce these individuals to you.
As I said many times, the economic downturn has hit many industries, and unfortunately, this included public education. Earlier this year, we learned about the severe budget shortfalls on the state level. We worked hard to revert more than $8 million back to the state while keeping our students’ education our top priority.
While planning the budget for 2009-10, we were faced with potential budget cuts more severe than any we have seen in the past. We continue to do our best to protect GCS while awaiting a final budget decision from the state.
Over the summer, I will continue to keep you informed of district news through my blog, on our Web site and through our weekly e-newsletter, GCS News Briefs.
Next year brings its own set of goals and opportunities. I look forward to the work we will do together and the progress we will accomplish for our children.
June 9, 2009 - Local Funding Update
Last week, the Board of County Commissioners passed a $585 million budget, which included $175 million for GCS’ operating budget as requested by the district. However, we did not receive full funding for the capital outlay funds, which pays for preventative maintenance, repairs and renovations. GCS requested $7 million, but the county only approved $4 million, with the caveat that the district could come back for more funding later in the year.
The $7 million that GCS requested in capital outlay funds for 2009-10 was a hold-the-line funding request. Unfortunately, even the $7 million would not have addressed the district’s facility needs.
While we are pleased to see that the GCS’ operating budget request was fully funded, given the current economic conditions, the cut in our capital outlay budget is difficult, especially after receiving news that even deeper cuts at the state level are possible.
You may be asking yourself, where do we go from here? Citizens of Guilford County, including many of our employees, have voiced to our County Commissioners how these cuts could impact our schools, and I ask that you continue to do the same at the state level. We value your commitment to GCS, and need your support.
We all are experiencing hardships during this economic downturn. But let’s not forget that our children’s education must remain the top priority for this community.
Click here for North Carolina Legislators’ contact information.
June 5, 2009 - Graduation
In the last few weeks of school, a chapter closes and new a chapter will begin for thousands of GCS students. They are the Class of 2009. With the economic worries, a student receiving scholarship money and financial aid is as competitive as ever. But this class has exceeded last year’s scholarship total earnings of $77,055,614, breaking the record with a total of $78,906,328.
This class holds a special place in my heart for it is the first graduating class under my direction as Superintendent. Each student has a story, and each student should be proud of what they have achieved. I know I am.
The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” is very true, especially at a time like graduation. From teachers to nurses to parents to volunteers to community members, your time and effort is so appreciated. You give our students the motivating spirit to step up to a challenge and rise to the top.
I look forward to hearing what the Class of 2009 accomplishes. I have no doubts that you will achieve nothing short of excellent.
Congratulations.
June 4, 2009 - Continuing Our Open Communication
As the school year comes to a close, the district has had to address some issues of concern over the last several months, including the investigation at Northern High and the environmental concerns at Oak Ridge Elementary. Since I began as Superintendent, I have noted that transparency is important, and it still remains a top priority of my administration. We will continue to analyze our communication efforts and will seek to improve those efforts as appropriate.
Regarding Oak Ridge Elementary, I, along with district staff and Guilford County Health Officials, take these concerns very seriously. We are working hard to resolve them as quickly as possible, and will continue to communicate information to parents, staff and the community. A Web site is available to the public providing updates on health report findings, communication to staff and parents as well as pertinent resources for parents and employees.
When it comes to openness, honesty and integrity, I value these characteristics, not just because of my background in law, but because they can define good character. It’s up to us to be role models for our young people. “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,” said a wise Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You have heard me say this on multiple occasions and it’s a major theme for the district’s strategic plan. We teach our students math, science and English, but all of us – parents, teachers, community members and coaches - mustn’t forget to teach the valuable lessons in honesty, integrity and ethics. And, of course, to teach this, we must first model it ourselves. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field or court or at home, when we are true to ourselves and the people around us, we all win.
In compliance with federal laws, Guilford County Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Refer to the Board of Education's Discrimination Free Environment Policy AC for a complete statement. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Guilford County Schools Compliance Officer, 120 Franklin Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27401; 336.370.2323.
All Guilford County Schools facilities, both educational and athletic, are tobacco-free learning environments.
