Happy New Year!   As we usher in 2013, Elmbrook School District is focusing on a several key priorities.

Aligning K-12 Literacy, including reading, writing, speaking and listening, continues to be a central emphasis.  Literacy skills impact every grade level and are critical in ensuring that all students ultimately graduate with college/career readiness.  In addition, we continue to raise expectations in preparation for new state assessments going into effect in 2014.

Creating a 3-year District Strategic Plan is another key initiative.  As the District winds down the 2008-2013 strategic plan, we begin the process of gathering feedback from our key stakeholders – students, alumni, parents, business leaders – to build the framework for key District priorities and programming for the next three years.   The District Board is slated to approve the new plan in July.

Continuing work to implement a performance evaluation system for teachers and principals will be another goal.   By the end of the school year, a full evaluation system will be deployed to meet the new state law.

Woven throughout the year, Elmbrook will also continue its tradition of disciplined fiscal stewardship balanced against the academic needs required to help every student succeed.     I look forward to working with the Elmbrook community in continuing to move the District forward in 2013.