Dear Colleagues:

News outlets across our nation continue to carry reports of people who have strong feelings about the presidential election and what it may portend for their future and the future of our country. Presidential elections often generate an inward focus because they usually signal change.

Our own school community is not immune to such personal concerns. The message from our superintendent this past week—that it is important to honor our school division’s four values of young people, respect, community and excellence—serves us well in bringing us together as a team and in keeping our learning environment a safe and nurturing one for students and staff alike.

All of us, inside and outside the classroom, are role models for the young people we serve and for one another. The behaviors we model in the workplace every day are more important than yesterday’s headlines. To this end, you will be hearing a great deal in our future budget discussions about a significant challenge we face as a school community—ensuring equity and access to opportunity for all.

Our public schools indeed are the great equalizer. Our mission when we talk about preparing students for lifelong success as learners, workers and citizens is founded upon the principle that all means all.

Regardless of the election results, our mission and our obligations to one another have not changed.

If you have personal or professional concerns over the impact of current events, I hope you will discuss these with your supervisor or consider taking advantage of one of the most valuable benefits you have as an employee of our school division—the Employee Assistance Program. You can access this no-cost program and its highly skilled counselors confidentially by calling 800-899-8174, or visit OptimaEAP.com for more information on their support services.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of our school community.

Matt Haas
Deputy Superintendent