This year I am excited about the powerful work we will engage in. When we opened the school year with staff on 8/26/24 the District committed to ensuring consistency, stability, and transparency. Below you will find how we defined those three core commitments:
Consistency in our approach means providing a steady and reliable environment for all students, staff, and families. We need to make decisions and implement policies that align with the District's core commitments. Our students, staff, and families need to know what to expect and believe that they can count on us to stay true to our goals. By remaining consistent in our goals and strategies, we can create a framework that can lead to increased student success.
Stability is equally important to SPS. Our students and staff deserve a secure and supportive environment where change is managed thoughtfully and intentionally. Stability doesn’t mean we’re not changing; it means we’re managing changes carefully and with a clear plan. Stability also means guiding change with a clear vision and purpose. It is important for SPS to build resilience and maintain trust as we navigate new challenges and opportunities.
Transparency will be our guiding principle in how we operate on a day-to-day basis. We need to be committed to open communication and honest dialogue with one another. When we are transparent we build trust and ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of our goals, decisions, and processes. Students, staff, and the community need to be open and honest with one another. We need to make sure everyone knows what’s going on and has a chance to be part of the conversation. Providing clear communication will help us build trust.
As we move forward together as a community, it is essential to recognize that while past practices have shaped SPS thus far, they are not always the best practices for moving forward. In order to drive student success and enhance community and family engagement, we need to be willing to question and change our approaches. Progress requires us to be open to new ideas and to continuously evaluate and improve upon the great stuff we already do. We need to stay flexible and be willing to try new approaches to make sure we’re doing what’s best for our students and community.
