Friday, May 17, 2013

Now it works...

At the beginning of the school year, I was planning to create a promotional video highlighting the wonderful opportunities the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public School District offers.  It became quite clear that finding time to create such a project would prove to be insurmountable.  Therefore, I turned to one of our students.  Zach Hagen agreed to take on the project and this is what he has created.  Pretty impressive!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Educator Appreciation Week

This week is Educator Appreciation Week and on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 it was Educator Appreciation Day!  This week allows us the opportunity to thank our educators for the positive impact they have on our entire school community.

I can say with 110% confidence that we are fortunate to have outstanding individuals in our District that are committed to the advancement of student development.  Each day I see another example of the dedication our staff has to improving the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public School District experience.  These examples range from community events to homework help to outstanding facilities and to service.  I am very proud of the staff at our school district!

If you have an opportunity, please thank an educator today!

Board Meeting Summary and May Agenda Items

Greetings Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Family,

Our School Board conducted a study session on Monday, May 6, 2013.  At this study session we had productive discussions about our district budget, district leadership, the possibility of a school resource officer, athletic punch cards and upcoming athletic coaches hirings.

Currently our district budget is in a healthy place due to outstanding financial management, the passage of an operating levy and several other factors.  We discussed the revised budget and preliminary budget for our next fiscal year.

District leadership was reviewed.  The District currently has a K-12 Principal, K-6 Dean of Students/Activities Director/Community Education Director and a Superintendent.  There was discussion of expanding this to a K-6 Principal/Community Education Facilitator, 7-12 Principal/Curriculum Development Director and a Superintendent.

There is a federal grant available again that would put school resource officers in buildings throughout the United States.  If the grant is approved the District would be responsible for a portion of the cost.  In the beginning 12.5% and at the end 50%.  After the final year of the grant, the District would have to decide if continuing with 100% of the cost is appropriate and fits within our District budget.

It was discussed to begin providing athletic punch cards for families to purchase at the beginning of each year/athletic season.  This would eliminate families from having to have cash on hand for each event.  They would be allowed to purchase a specified amount of events and have their punch card 'punched'.

At the regular Board meeting in May, the Board will be approving contracts for our Fall and Winter Head Coaches.  This is a bit of a change in practice.  The rationale behind the change is to have coaches approved before the start of an athletic season and provide our parents and coaches a head coach throughout the summer events.

As you can tell, our School Board Study Session was extremely productive filled with enriching conversation and education.  If you have any questions, please contact me directly.

With Highest Regards,
Bill Adams, Superintendent