February 16, 2005

Dear Students, Staff and Families:

At this week's Board of Education meeting Trustee Alan Krieger submitted his letter of resignation effective June 30, 2005. President Ray Hawes commended Alan for his dedicated service to the district. Alan has promoted active student engagement in the learning process, increased parent - teacher communication, grant writing and fiscal responsibility. I will miss his reasoned and tempered approach to problem solving and his desire to seek consensus wherever possible. 

Alan has voiced on more than one occasion his hope that someone will emerge from the community who shares his commitment to the district. I write this letter to urge members of the public to seek out information that will assist you to decide whether becoming a school board member is an appropriate role for you. The Board meets twice a month and in committees on average once per month. I do not want to minimize the responsibility because Board membership requires your devotion to the affairs of the district.

I urge anyone who believes in the importance of public education to call a Board member, attend a Board meeting (first and third Tuesdays of the month) or call me with your questions. Our Board of Education has and will continue to make a difference. In Alan's term of office the Board has achieved many goals including the following.

• Planned and passed two major capital projects. One project which has just been completed (renovations to the bus garage and elementary facing) and the second, which will be underway this spring at the elementary school (library and new classrooms).

• Updated all Board policies.

• Engaged in personal dialogue with our labor unions to maintain good communications.

• Promoted improved academic programs by expanding our staffing for language arts, mathematics, ESL, special education, primary education and technology.

• Encouraged the development of after school programming.

• Supported the Comprehensive Educational Planning Process (CDEP).

Is there any responsibility more important than the education of our children? 
If you believe this than becoming a Board member may be the right choice for you.

Sincerely,

Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
895-2279

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