Superintendent’s Letter for
December Mark of Excellence
A Year of Important
Initiatives
As this year closes and the New Year is a few weeks away, it’s
a good time to reflect on the district’s progress and the many initiatives that
have been implemented during the past year. The year 2006 was a busy and
productive year for Brevard Schools. The programs and plans that the School Board
has endorsed and the district has implemented will go a long way in improving
the performance of all our students.
In January the district received word that Brevard once
again leads the state in classroom spending. We earned this distinction for the
second year in a row. We are fortunate that our district has a School Board
that has a continual focus on increased spending in the classroom. Such focus
allows us to have smaller class sizes, which in turn allows our teachers to
provide enhanced classroom instruction. Our students are the ultimate winners.
One of the most important initiatives that we are
introducing into the district is the Secondary Schools of National Prominence
(SSNP). We want our students to be successful in their adult career endeavors.
In order for this to occur, districts like ours need to better prepare students
to meet the future demands that will be placed on them. Dr. Bill Daggett of the
Our goal is that every student will graduate from high
school prepared to enter and be successful in the workplace, in further career
education, and/or in postsecondary degree opportunities. Our School Board,
administration and team of teachers is committed to ensuring that Brevard’s graduates
are prepared for careers of tomorrow. In future issues of the Mark of Excellence we will be providing
much more information on this SSNP initiative.
As Dr. Daggett explained, “schools need to reinvent themselves.” Brevard Schools is doing
that. Programs that have typically been offered at the college level are now
being offered to high school students. In this issue you will read about many
of the career and technical programs that are in place and providing our
students with career skills before they leave high school. We are also adding
eight additional career academies next August that will provide enhanced
student educational opportunities. Our district also offers a variety of
internship opportunities for students to learn about a career by actually
earning credit and being paid for the experience. Students who want to be on a
fast track can take advantage of the
Another important initiative that is underway is the
district’s $890 million seven-year facilities plan. We want to ensure that our
students are learning in environments that are safe and conducive to academic
excellence. This plan includes the construction of new schools, upgrades and
renovations to all of our older buildings, and the addition of special
facilities such as theaters and sports complexes. We are also equipping our
schools with the latest technology so that our students can learn in the ways
they are accustomed to receiving and sending information in a technology-rich
world.
If you are a parent, rest assured that the School Board and
the district are working hard to provide your children with the best possible
educational opportunities. If you are a student, we are working continually to
offer you academic, artistic, career and technical instruction that will
benefit you in whatever future choices you make. If you are a community
supporter, be advised that your contributions are being put to excellent use
and definitely making a difference.
I look forward to continuing the district’s work in 2007.
Happy New Year!
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