Superintendent's Message for July 2023

We have reached the midway point of the summer with the Independence Day celebration on July 4th and county fairs right around the corner.  We are very busy planning and working on projects to enhance our student's overall experience at Southwest Valley.  We have many projects underway on both campuses and have hired several new employees to complete our staff team for the 2023-2024 school year.  

We have two projects starting this month at the football and track stadium with the installation of LED lights and a new scoreboard.  The lights at the complex were over 33 years old and needed to be updated, as well as the power source to meet current code requirements.  The scoreboard has not been functioning properly for the last few years and replacement parts are no longer available.  Thank you to all of the sponsors for the scoreboard project!  We will also add a new section of fence to the east entrance to replace a broken section.  

Installation of a new boiler and air conditioning units begins this month at the Southwest Valley Activity Center.  This project will complete a three-year plan to upgrade the building. We have renovated the restrooms and restored air conditioning in the classrooms and lobby.  We painted the gym and plan to replace the bleachers and paint the wrestling room in Southwest Valley colors in the near future.

The bond project planning process is well underway.  This fall I plan to show blueprints to the public to share what has been discussed and decided on to replace the current elementary building.  We also have been planning the upgrades to the baseball and softball fields for completion after the 2024 season.  The improvements will not only enhance our student athletes' experiences but also the fans' experience.  We are planning ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant walking paths for better access to both fields. 
 
New windows and siding will be installed at the Enarson elementary building in July.  This will complete the project we had planned a year ago but have been at the mercy of the supply chain.  The windows will help with energy efficiency and the siding will replace the original wood siding.  We will also add an asphalt parking area on the northeast side of the building.  The middle school gym will be upgraded with a new sound system.  This building has seen many improvements and is a great building for our students.  The high school gym will be painted this summer.  I am also in the process of securing grant funding from the Governor’s School Safety Initiative for improvement in safety at all of our campuses.

The 2023-2024 school year will bring us new leadership at the high school and Enarson elementary.  The board approved contracts with Jennifer Bissell as joint counselor and high school principal.  Mrs. Bissell has worked in this capacity for the past few months and has done a great job.  We will be adding Allen Naugle to the high school staff this year to serve as Director of Student Services, including the alternative school director, activities director, and other duties assigned to assist Mrs. Bissell.  Sarah Maeder will move to the high school to serve as special education director and ID (intellectual and disability) teacher.  Stephanie Riley will join the high school staff as a special education teacher.  Nicole Campbell will transition to high school English this fall and will be joined by Megan Boswell.  We are working on covering an open science position internally.  Lisa Sorenson will serve as the Educational Leader for Enarson elementary and principal, Liz Timmerman, will oversee both elementary and middle school buildings. They are working together to divide the responsibilities and will communicate those roles with parents prior to August 23.  We received a late resignation at Enarson elementary and both leaders are working together to ensure the building is fully staffed in the fall.  Keegan Longabaugh will move from the middle school to elementary physical education teacher at Corning.  Keegan has also been named the new head football coach for the Timberwolves.  I will share another announcement of all of our changes in August.

Change is good and brings opportunities for learning and growth as a district and as individuals. As we begin the 2023-2024 school year, I challenge you to see how you can help our district grow and create the best student opportunities.  It takes a village to raise the kids and we need all of you to help us raise our students.  Enjoy the last full month of summer break and it is a great day to be a T-Wolf!