My responsibility as your Superintendent is to develop and set a clear vision and direction for the Board of Education, to bring people with me, and to deliver results that reflect positive progress for our students’ growth and achievement.

While we have much work to do, over the last year and a half we have accomplished a number of our objectives:

1.      Problem-based learning is taking hold in classrooms

2.      Graham High School has doubled the number of students involved in college credit plus

3.      New pathways in Logistics, Education were added with no new staff

4.      Two Foreign Language electives were added with no additional staff

5.      New online Math curriculum has been addressed at both the elementary and middle levels at a fraction of the cost of textbooks.

6.      Our literacy foundation Read Imagine Soar! provided resources for Pre-K families through a grant funded program

7.      Graham’s was recognized countywide with the Spirit of United Way Award for its efforts in building community partnerships

8.      Graham Elementary received the Momentum Award for literacy achievement

9.      Graham’s Preschool received the 5-Star Step Up To Quality Rating

10. Graham’s Public Relations received awards for the first time

11. Graham staff were trained in Bridges Out of Poverty for better community awareness

12. Graham leaders have facilitated countywide strategic planning to better our community

One activity has eluded us: securing our fiscal health. Activities during the next 6 months are going to be significant particularly in an environment of tremendous change in education. The various generational civic and political interests within our community have made it clear we have a complex dynamic to address together at Graham. With your help, our vision will guide our students to fulfill our vision of Success Today, Prepared for Tomorrow in a career, military branch, or college of their choice.

My work over the coming months will be to:

ü Gather information quickly about the community perception of the progress of the school district

ü To continue our strong community presence

ü To assess the district’s strengths and opportunities for improvement

ü To identify our need and educate community about the levy

ü To create a network of contacts and resources to assist in the work of improving the Graham Local Schools.

These activities give me tangible goals to achieve on behalf of the Board of Education. These goals will also support the long-term success of our district, students and staff.

I want to thank our parents and community partners for all they do for Graham. We are stronger together, that much is certain.

Sincerely,

Kirk Koennecke