A Message from the Board President
This month, my tenure as Governing Board president
will come to an end. The past year has been both
exciting and challenging, but always fulfilling because
of the caring and talented people with whom I work on
behalf of the wonderful children we serve.
Reflecting on this past year evokes many powerful
thoughts and emotions. Certainly first and foremost, the
tragic events of September 11 have forced us to end the
year on a more somber note.
Still, I have been heartened to see the many ways
that our TUSD community has found the strength and the
commitment needed to keep our focus on what's most
important: the education of our children and the
fulfillment of our district mission.
Throughout our community and around the country,
there is a deepening understanding that education is the
key to maintaining society's economic, social and
philosophical health. Public education is the vehicle
through which we will continue to create good citizens
and future leaders.
For that reason, I am particularly pleased with the
addition of the monthly Student Advisory Council column
to the Board Report. The role students play in
our administrative priorities is such a critical one,
and giving them a voice in this publication is an
example of the kinds of activities and experiences that
will help our students grow into responsible and
competent leaders.
Among the many other highlights of the past year are
the nearly 30 funding proposals and grant applications
as well as 15 different intergovernmental agreements
that the Governing Board approved.
Resulting partnerships with educators such as Dr.
Carroll Rinehart and members of the University of
Arizona music department have led to the development of
such innovative projects as Opening Minds Through the
Arts (OMA), the fine arts initiative under the direction
of Dr. Joan Ashcraft (featured in last month's Board
Report).
Also, partnerships with community leaders such as
Bill Estes (committee chair), Eddie Leon (facilities
chair) and all of the other members of the TUSD Blue
Ribbon Committee will make great strides toward
extending the district's resources.
I also am so appreciative of the enormous
contributions of the
Educational
Enrichment Foundation, as well as of the many community
members who took advantage of the Arizona tax credit
legislation and made a donation to our schools this
year.
Finally, allow me to express my gratitude to all the
teachers and administrators throughout the district for
your commitment to excellence on behalf of our students.
As we look forward to the new year, the Governing
Board and administration will maintain our focus on
student achievement, which emerged at the November Board
retreat as the only real priority for the district.
Throughout the coming months, I am confident that we
will develop specific goals, activities and policies
that will help us realize this priority and achieve
success.
My best wishes for a joyful and fulfilling 2002.
Carolyn Kemmeries
Board
Report
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