Superintendent of Schools
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Mount Vernon School District, I’d like to welcome you to the 2011-12 school year.
This school year finds us adjusting to significant drops in federal and state funding. We have made a number of reductions across the district as a result. However, we have worked hard to protect the classroom to the maximum extent possible.
We all know that challenging times, while difficult, also provide opportunities. Our plans for 2011-12 offer some creative solutions, including the addition of 20 minutes to the elementary student day. We have been concerned about the brevity of the elementary student day for a number of years. The additional time will allow our elementary schools to broaden and enrich the curriculum for our students.
Our major focus will continue to be on our primary mission—to increase student learning. We have been engaged in a number of improvement efforts over the past three years through our involvement in the large scale Summit Improvement Initiative. It is now time for us to focus and simplify, building on the best of what we have learned. This will include:
• Fine tuning the implementation of our new elementary reading curriculum and instructional model;
• Improving student achievement in math and science;
• Supporting the use of highly effective instructional strategies in all classrooms; and
• Ensuring that work assigned to students is rigorous and challenging.
• Improving student achievement in math and science;
• Supporting the use of highly effective instructional strategies in all classrooms; and
• Ensuring that work assigned to students is rigorous and challenging.
Early this fall, we will begin an effort to involve our staff and the community in defining the knowledge and skills that are essential for a graduate of Mount Vernon High School. While fundamental, this is a step we have tended to overlook in the past. What we learn will then allow us to ensure the goals we set and the steps we take to achieve those goals are based on a common vision of education in Mount Vernon.
In September we will begin the process of renovating the Mount Vernon High School gymnasium and field house. This project, initially part of the 2001 bond, will be funded through a combination of state matching funds and a federal interest-free loan, payable over 15 years. These facilities, which are a valuable asset to the entire community, will be remodeled in a way that preserves the present “old gymnasium” appearance.
Sometime during second semester, we will ask voters to approve the replacement of our current Maintenance and Operations Levy, which expires at the end of 2012. This levy provides approximately 15% of our operating revenue and funds basic, essential services including classroom teachers, instructional assistants, fine and performing arts programs, librarians, counselors, programs for highly capable students, and services for students with disabilities. Soon after the start of school, the School Board will begin considering options for both the amount and length of the levy.
Sometime during second semester, we will ask voters to approve the replacement of our current Maintenance and Operations Levy, which expires at the end of 2012. This levy provides approximately 15% of our operating revenue and funds basic, essential services including classroom teachers, instructional assistants, fine and performing arts programs, librarians, counselors, programs for highly capable students, and services for students with disabilities. Soon after the start of school, the School Board will begin considering options for both the amount and length of the levy.
Public education is everyone’s business. While school districts have the major responsibility 36 weeks of the year, we cannot do it alone. I encourage you to consider ways to support our children and youth in school and at home. Together, our efforts will lead to successful learners strengthening our community.
Carl Bruner, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
124 East Lawrence Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-428-6181
360-428-6172 (fax)