Superintendent's Message for January 2021

Happy New Year!

The year 2021 has arrived and with it comes optimism and hope.  The past twelve months have been a challenge, but we are stronger and more united in many ways.  We refused to lie down and be steamrolled by the pandemic.  Instead, we found ways to make it work for our kids and restore some normalcy to their lives.

As Superintendent, it is time to flip the calendar, set new goals for the district and look forward to a bright 2021.  We have many projects planned in 2021.

One of the first projects will be updating our playground at our Early Childhood Education Center in Corning.  We are currently fundraising for this project.  Contact Jodi Lyddon at 641-322-4242 x2 if you have any questions about this project or would like to donate.  We continue to build our early childhood programs.  Increasing enrollment while offering a safe and educational program is a priority at both of the centers in Corning and Villisca.  The Early Childhood Education Center in Villisca is part of the recently remodeled Enarson Elementary building.  Contact Director Abbey Schafer at 641-322-4601 to enroll.

The six million dollar bond project on the West Campus is finished and we are completing the punch list to finalize the project.  The project was completed on budget and I would like to thank everyone for their patience during construction.  New heating and air conditioning systems, electrical, plumbing, and state of the art fire alarm systems have been installed.  Enarson Elementary has new tile flooring and a remodeled office suite.  Our next projects on the West Campus will be installing new windows at Enarson Elementary and a new gym floor at the Middle School.  We recently replaced the LED sign at the Middle School and look forward to using it to promote Southwest Valley!

The East Campus has completed work on our HVAC system and roofs at the High School.  We have implemented preventative maintenance contracts to reduce major repairs to our systems in the future.  Our major projects will be replacing the boiler at the Activity Center, constructing a bus barn away from the flood plain, and installing new phone lines in our elementary school.

The last big goal for this year is to take another step towards reorganization.  This project has been on hold due to Covid-19, but we will begin to move forward again with meetings with our community committee in February.  This will allow us to have the public vote in November 2021 or March 2022.  We have completed the following projects as part of the reorganization process:  new website and email address, salary schedules, joint school calendars, and sharing personnel. 

Lastly, I want to thank the Southwest Valley communities for all of your support for our district.  The last year has tested us all and pushed us to think differently and make concessions.  It forced us to change and change is hard.  Our communities have met the challenge and I look forward to a positive 2021.  Happy New Year!