A busy year for Boundary County's superintendent
As I move toward the end of my first year as Superintendent, many thoughts come to mind. The most recent—“You can’t please everyone.” I understand the business of education is complicated and emotionally charged. To steady this, my efforts will stay with what I said in my interview ten months ago: all decisions will be student-first oriented and based upon fiscal responsibility. Hold me to it!
Exciting changes are happening in our district. The enrollment in Valley View Elementary School is up 50+ students compared to last year. This creates an interesting problem. Sharing this challenge with me is the Boundary County School District Board of Trustees. Our Board Members David Brinkman, Nichele Whittaker, Ron MacDonald, Beverly Krichbaum and Tess Rae are moving our district into the future. They are doing a great job! I sincerely appreciate their on-going support as we move forward. As I have paraphrased many times, “It takes a whole village to raise a child!” This year I have surrounded myself with experts and advisors. I am very excited for the future of BCSD. Change is hard!
I would like at this time to thank Tim Gering for his leadership at BFHS for the last three years.
Tim and Kari Kay’s family have had a great and very positive impact in our school community. All five members of the family have provided leadership in multiple areas. I sincerely wish them the best as they pursue future endeavors.
Interviews for the BFHS Principal will be held on Friday the 13th of May in the District Office. We will interview the top five applicants. The morning will be filled with interviews by the high school team. In the afternoon, an Admin/Board/Community Team will interview. I am looking for a strong and consistent leader who will manage the students and further unify the staff and community. We will let you know what we know as soon as possible.
Student News: What a Spring we are enjoying! Badger Baseball and Softball are both heading to the post season……...both with an 18-2 record. I look forward to some Idaho State action; there could be a new banner in our future! The track team has also found great success. Leading the way are Isaac Lavala, a BFHS junior, breaking George Hays’ pole vault record of 40 years with a jump of 13’ 7” and sophomore Jordan Young in the 800 meter with a time of 2 minutes 25 seconds, ranking her 1st in league. Many other student athletes are enjoying personal bests every meet.
There are many measures of school success: the management of student behavior, academic achievement, faithful attendance, professionalism, consistency, etc. The most important measure to the Idaho State Department of Education is student performance, as judged by the ISAT and IRI.
These “snap shots” determine funding, local control and staff performance.
As staff, we take these mandatory assessments very seriously; our accountability to the community is measured by these tests. My duty as superintendent is to monitor instructional practices in all areas within the program. The principals and I have witnessed good teaching this year. All students have shown growth, so I am not worried!
One of the keys to promoting success on these tests is to convince the students they are ready. The last thing we want to do is worry the children or cause anxiety. I constantly tell your children, ”In everything, do the best you can and never give up!” I am preaching this message again. Also, believe it or not, these tests can actually be fun! So, how can you help? Pay attention to the testing schedule.
Help us fill your child with confidence and comfort. A restful night, a good breakfast, encouraging words and a hug goes a long way.
Thanks!