New “State of the District” presentation reaches out to community

For the first time in 15 years, a "State of the District" presentation was made to the Madison community when Superintendent Daniel Nerad delivered the address during a Board of Education meeting on January 25 at Wright Middle School.

About 80 persons attended the presentation while many others watched live on television and the Internet.  Both the video of the presentation and the State of the District report are available online.  Click here.

In announcing that the State of the District will be annual, Nerad said it's part of the Board's reorganization plan.  "The Board and I really want to provide an opportunity to interact with the community on who we are and where we are going.  It's an important type of communication."

After outlining the the key elements of the new strategic plan, Nerad delved into data relating to student demographics, reading, algebra and geometry, and attendance.  "There are strengths in our profile.  Notable achievement gaps also exist," he said.

The Superintendent briefly reviewed four recent priority areas of focus - equity, mathematics, fine arts, and talented and gifted - as well as the newest initiative, four-year-old kindergarten which the Board of Education approved for a September 2011 start.  He then cited data supporting 4K program benefits to children and their families as well as the community in reduced costs in other areas.

Connecting the need to reduce even further racial achievement gaps and the new 4K program, Nerad said, "Our mission speaks to the need to ensure a focus on all children, so they may thrive in the world they are going to inherit from us...as global citizens."

The presentation was highlighted by statements from students, parents and staff members about what their school and the district means to them.

"With all of the great opportunities that high school offers, I have been able to open my mind to new ideas and build strong friendships," Memorial student Dareon Henderson told the audience.

Said East student Jeanet Ugalde, "My success is due in part to the teachers who have believed in and encouraged me since I arrived in Madison as a ten-year-old...not even being able to speak English."

Brief summaries of recent developments in elementary schools, secondary schools and district finances were given by respectively Assistant Superintendents Sue Abplanalp, Pam Nash and Erik Kass.

Before answering some questions from attendees, the 2^nd year Superintendent said to the community, "We end with our need to seek your help in telling our story and in helping our students.  What we cannot do alone as a school district, we can do together."