Email
Print
In face of challenging times, I-SS is striving for greatness
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: April 11, 2009
As superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools, I take great pride in providing regular updates to the citizens of Iredell County regarding the progress of our school district. We live in a society where it has become easy for us to take for granted and even criticize the unique and truly amazing things that occur each day in classrooms across our school district. If you take nothing else is away from this, know this: Your teachers are doing the impossible for your children in your schools every single day.
In Iredell County, we are fortunate to have schools that are natural extensions of the community in which they're located. Our schools are your schools. Our children are your children. And our teachers and administrators are dedicated to your communities. So many times I hear and read about members of our community criticizing our school district and the wonderful people who dedicate their time and their talents to help children be successful. But any way you slice it, any numbers you look at, our students are becoming more successful.
Our ultimate measure of success is in how many of our students walk out of our doors with a high school diploma in their hands. This isn't data that can be manufactured. In I-SS, students are graduating. In fact, in the last 10 years, our dropout rate has gone from 10 percent to 3.5 percent. Right now, more than 80 percent of our students are graduating from high school within four years. There are only 10 other school districts in North Carolina that are more successful in graduating students. That means we're doing it better than 104 other school systems in this state!
Our graduation success is due in large part to our alternative programs. I-SS takes whatever approach is necessary to ensure our students are successful, even if it means taking a nontraditional route. Springs Academy and Monticello provide unique programs that encourage students not to quit, even when the going gets tough. These programs are often the saving grace for students whose actions would leave them suspended from school and so far behind in their coursework that dropping out of school seemed like their only option remaining. In I-SS, we do whatever we can to ensure students are successful, even when times are tight.
During tough budget times, I always hear about school districts that are contemplating eliminating athletics programs. In fact, many times, even the parents insist that these programs be eliminated. It is unfortunate that so many people are unaware of the research that has been conducted with regard to athletic participation. Numerous studies show that athletics are the reason many students choose to stay in school. In fact, athletics are the No. 1 most successful method of dropout prevention. I dare say many of our students would have dropped out a long time ago had it not been for the opportunity to shine on Friday night or step up to the free-throw line to sink a game-saving shot. I don't find it ironic at all that as our district's athletic participation increases, so does our graduation rate.
The arts are also often the low-hanging fruit when tough budget discussions begin. In I-SS, we have strong fine and performing arts programs. From the enhancement courses in our lower grades to the specialized programs in the high schools, our artistically talented students have multiple avenues by which to express themselves. Our Visual & Performing Arts Center provides a creative outlet for students who want to take their talents to the next level. All of these programs — from band and chorus to art and theater — keep kids excited about coming to school and engaged in their educations. These opportunities help contribute to the success of the school district and the students in it.
Beyond our graduation rate and our dropout rate, we enjoy great success in a number of areas though. Our SAT scores continue to climb. In only six years, our district's average has risen nearly 60 points. The participation in advanced placement courses increases each year. Our student attendance ranks us firmly in the top three school districts in North Carolina.
There are people in our community who attribute these significant gains to a handful of schools in our school district. However, it is a fact that steady gains have been made at all of our schools. Making the statement that a few of our schools "carry" our other schools is, in my opinion, a gross injustice to all the wonderful educators at the rest of our schools.
It's not just our traditional classroom teachers who are getting the job done. Our physical education teachers are using a $1.2 million grant to help our children learn about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. Through the implementation of the Fitness Gram, our teachers are doing their part to help reduce the number of incidences of childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes.
Our administrators, counselors and resource officers, nurses, as well as classroom teachers, have worked cooperatively with the board of education to revise policy to ensure children have a greater chance for success. These revisions have helped to ensure that students who violate our district's drug and alcohol policy aren't simply punished, but that they also receive the appropriate intervention to ensure their substance abuse issues do not continue. The efforts of our staff are paying off. Our out-of-school suspension rates and the number of substance abuse issues continue to decline.
There are so many positive things going on in our school district right now. The last few years have been among the most successful in the history of the school district. It's so easy to overlook the accomplishments of many to criticize a few, especially when the budget is tight and our economy is crumbling. I encourage you to step back and take a long, hard look at the work of our school district and the gains we have made together. School systems from across the nation are beginning to look to I-SS for ways to improve their own school districts. We set the standard by which everyone else follows.
In the coming months, there will be many tough budget decisions that have to be made. Anytime this occurs, arrows immediately begin flying at our central office staff and other positions the community views as non-essential. The fact is that it takes everyone to make this school district the solid success it has become. I-SS has always been a good school system, but I dare say it is now among the great school systems.
It is my promise and commitment to you that I will continue to dedicate myself to ensuring that students in this county become successful, productive contributors to society after they leave our schools. It is my priority to ensure that none of our more than 3,000 valuable employees is laid off during difficult budget times — something most other school districts can't say. And it is my vow to continue to move this school district forward into the 21st century, ensuring that our schools and our students remain several steps ahead of the competition.
For those of you who question the remarkable things taking place within our school system, I encourage and welcome you to come visit. Become involved with a school and view for yourself the great work going on in our classrooms and all over our school district.
To the great employees of I-SS, from the 30-year veteran classroom teacher, to the new bus driver, to the office staff, I applaud the work you do. Each of you plays a vital role to the success of I-SS, and I am truly humbled to be able to work alongside each of you. Thank you for your dedication.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
