Superintendent's Message for August 2024

As we turn the calendar to August, the 2024-2025 school year is fast approaching.  This summer, I spent time reflecting on the implementation of the school theme I brought to the communities, “Destination District.”  Have we reached this goal?  The goal is a journey and we will never be done trying to build a destination district at Southwest Valley, but we have made some giant leaps in the right direction.  I measure this goal on four factors: academics, culture, finances, and facilities. 

On my arrival to Southwest Valley in the fall of 2018, we had three schools on the “schools in need of assistance” list, and the middle school was hanging on to an average status.  Since that fall, we have taken Enarson Elementary from the bottom 5% in the state to a High Performing elementary school.  Corning Elementary is off that list, and they are a high-performing elementary school. The High School has jumped from needs improvement to average and is close to commendable status.  The Middle School has steadily grown academically and is nearing the next level of commendable.  Many factors have contributed to this rise in academics, including new administrators leading each building, a new focus on the delivery of instruction, and new educators dedicated to improving student success.  We also have acquired and started two exceptional early childhood centers.  This has led to more students staying in our district rather than leaving for childcare in surrounding communities. We have room to build on our success, but we need your help.  Prepare your students for school daily with a positive attitude and readiness to learn.  Make sure they have breakfast or have them utilize our school  breakfast options.  Monitor how much time they spend on video or social media and reconnect with them, asking about their day. 

One of Southwest Valley's most significant changes has been the transformation of our culture. We recently collected data from our Conditions of Learning Survey, which reflects the positive shift in student-teacher and student-student relationships. This progress is a promising sign of the direction we are heading.  This survey is student-driven, with questions asked to students in grades 3-12 about the culture and climate of each building.  We have work to do in each building and will continue to build our climates.  You can help us by monitoring your son/daughter's online footprint.  We investigated many cyberbullying incidents last year.  This year, we will crack down on cellphone usage at our middle and high school levels.  Students will not have access to their cellphones during instruction time.  Students’ cellphones will only be available for use during passing periods and lunch breaks.  If you need to contact your son/daughter during school hours, call the school, and we will send them a message.  Studies show that this will improve student learning, reduce stress/anxiety, and improve communication between staff and students.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

The financial health has improved in both districts over the past six years by utilizing many cost-saving actions while monitoring enrollment trends and expenditures.  We have enrolled in the Iowa Government Local Risk Pool program and have shifted our premium payment for natural gas from the general fund to our management fund.  We have reduced spending and reduced staffing when needed.  We have lowered property taxes in both districts and successfully passed two community-supported bond referendums!  With the state committed to paying for private schools and the reduction in state income tax, state funding will take a big hit for public schools.  We are mindful of this and will continue to monitor our finances carefully each year.

Facilities have been a focus of mine since I arrived in 2018.  The vacated middle school building in Corning was in poor condition and had become an eyesore.  We demolished that building and built a state-of-the-art greenhouse and storage shed for our custodial staff.  We upgraded the high school's HVAC and repaired roof leaks in all of our buildings.  We have renovated the activity center, auditorium, and the athletic fields.  The communities overwhelmingly passed two major bond renovations to improve our facilities for generations to come. 

The process to become a “Destination District” takes everyone and we have had excellent support to begin this journey.  We continue to need volunteers and committee members and would love for you to join us as we continue to make Southwest Valley a better place for our students!