District Students honored; First Master Teacher honored; Summit Academies Hit Targets

The LCESC Governing Board met at 5:30 PM at the 3939 Wrenwood (the ALCC) on March 9th. The first hour consisted of dozens of awards for outstanding students, as well as several staff members who received the "Job Well Done" award. While this sounds very general and somewhat bland, the reality of meeting these vibrant young people and hearing some of their individual stories is anything but - for instance, last night I met Richard Brown, a student at Springfield High School, who was chosen to be an honoree for involvement in extra-curricular activities. As he received his award, I asked him "What activities do you participate in?" and he responded "So many - I can't list them here, but I'll talk to you about them afterwards!" So of course I found Richard after the event, and chatted with him and his mom about his involvement in SHAPE, among other activities. Here is the link to the SHAPE website: www.shapeonline.org . Every student has a story similar to Richard's, or they wouldn't be there...we have such a strong group of young people in this area. It is truly a privilege and a joy to serve - I wish I could personally meet each student, and I am grateful for those I do get the opportunity to know a bit better.
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the LCESC's first Master Teacher recipient, Tammy Mansfield. Eight teachers in area districts received this award, and each was recognized by their home district. The LCESC board and administration shares in congratulating Tammy - a permanent display to honor all Master Teachers from the LCESC will be forthcoming at the 2275 Collingwood location.
In community schools updates, the board heard that Summit Academies, which includes 23 community schools around the state, has hit numerous targets for fiscal and student achievement accountability during the past twelve months. The board has had Summit Academies under an "intent to suspend," forcing massive changes to the administration and conduct of the school. Those changes have happened; twenty-nine administrators have left, and the school went from being three million dollars in the red to being in the black. While the "intent to suspend" has not been lifted, the topic will likely be broached at future meetings.
The LCESC supports our member districts with upcoming levies, and urges voters to support these difficult but necessary measures in order to sustain excellence in education for the students in this area. Huge funding reductions from the state have forced schools to make cuts, and without the passage of these levies, additional and damaging cuts will likely result.
The National School Board Association annual conference will take place in Chicago from April 8-12, and I will be in attendance. The normal governing board meeting for the LCESC will be held a week later than usual due to Spring Break - the date is April 20th, at 5 PM at 2275 Collingwood.
Please continue to contact me with questions, concerns, or the need for clarification. If I don't have the answer, I'll do my best to point you toward the person who does.