http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column Superintendent’s Column RSS Feed http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2012-02-01_calling_a__snow_day__is_no_picnic On a snowy morning a number of years ago, not long after I first became a superintendent, I received an email asking who was the idiot who canceled school. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2012-02-01_calling_a__snow_day__is_no_picnic http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2012-01-04_new_school_board_members_step_up Each January, school districts throughout the state take time to celebrate and thank the people who serve on school boards, the primary governing body of local public schools. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2012-01-04_new_school_board_members_step_up http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-12-07_proposed_state_budget_cuts_could_mean_shorter_school_year Last month I had the opportunity to tell you about one of the most enjoyable parts of my job: announcing that three of our schools were honored by the state for their improved academic performance. Now, unfortunately, I must tell you about one of my least favorite subjects: budget cuts. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-12-07_proposed_state_budget_cuts_could_mean_shorter_school_year http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-11-09_be_proud_of_mukilteo_s_3_schools_of_distinction The part of my job that I enjoy the most is the opportunity to announce something terrific to our employees. That opportunity came a couple of weeks ago when I was able to meet with the staff at Mukilteo Elementary, Olivia Park Elementary and Mariner High School to tell them that their schools had been named Schools of Distinction. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-11-09_be_proud_of_mukilteo_s_3_schools_of_distinction http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-10-05_test_scores_rise_as_district_weathers_financial_storm Once again, the people in our community have good reason to be proud of the students and staff members in Mukilteo schools. The recently released state test scores showed that Mukilteo students continue to outperform the state average in most of the exams. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-10-05_test_scores_rise_as_district_weathers_financial_storm http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-09-07_students_get_jump_on_success_at_summer_school When people learn that I work in schools, they often comment that it must be nice to get the summers off each year. I then have to explain that I’m among many school employees who work all year long. I usually then point out that not all teachers get the summers off, either. A large number, for example, continue to work with students during summer school. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-09-07_students_get_jump_on_success_at_summer_school http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-04-13_students_can_be_well_prepared_for_college Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of parents that we call our Key Communicators. The group, which has representatives from each school, gets together five times during the school year to learn about education issues such as student achievement and graduation requirements. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-04-13_students_can_be_well_prepared_for_college http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-03-23_to_legislators__no_unfunded_mandates I had the chance to visit with our state legislators in Olympia recently. We keep in touch with them throughout the year, both to inform them about what we are doing and also to answer questions they might have about schools. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-03-23_to_legislators__no_unfunded_mandates http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-02-02_state_budget_effect_on_schools_not_yet_known The signs of the season are everywhere. The days are getting longer, the football season is just about over and the crocuses are just beginning to bloom, which all point to one thing for those of us who work in the central office of the school district: It’s time to begin work on next year’s budget. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2011-02-02_state_budget_effect_on_schools_not_yet_known http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2010-02-24_one_battle_won__fight_not_yet_over http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2010-02-24_one_battle_won__fight_not_yet_over http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2010-01-28_educate_yourselves_with__your_schools_ Sometime soon, you will receive a publication in the mail called “Your Schools.” We send the publication to all Mukilteo School District residents three times a year to let them know what their school system is doing. http://mukilteobeacon.com/schools/superintendent-column/article.exm/2010-01-28_educate_yourselves_with__your_schools_