Community Partnerships

At the Board of Education meeting this week, I will be sharing information about Goal #3 in our Strategic Framework.  This goal states,

The goal is based on our belief that Saline Area Schools draws its strength from the families, businesses and community members that value quality public education.  Maintaining and enhancing two-way communication between the district and diverse segments of the community and promoting greater public engagement is a key to the long term success of Saline Area Schools.

As I prepared to discuss this goal I worked with administrators from our buildings and departments to gather feedback on how we were addressing this goal.  I was overwhelmed at the response.  The list of partners involves just about every community organization, business and institution in Washtenaw County.  On top of that parent support and attendance at events is at an all time high.

Saline Area Schools, like almost every public school in Michigan, is facing challenges.  We have difficult decisions to make related to our 2011-2012 budget.  We have high expectations for our students and continue to push to develop a system where all students will acquire the essential skills to be lifelong learners and leaders in an ever changing 21st century global society.  However, when I look at the support we receive from the community, I am confident we will be able to address these challenges and move forward.