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Home :: Discover EGUSD :: Superintendent :: Superintendent's Message
In late October, I received an email from a principal in our district who shared a recent conversation that he had with one of his elementary school students. The student, with all of the seriousness that was called for, informed him that students would be up later than usual on Sunday night, October 31, as they would be involved in special activities as a result of Halloween. The student then recommended that school be cancelled on Monday, November 1, as it was already a minimum school day. In addition, he brought a petition with 200 signatures supporting his recommendation. The student’s suggestion was one that we can appreciate.
One of the takeaways from this exchange is a recognition that our students continue to be engaged in the world around them and as such, need the tools from our work to successfully prepare them for their tomorrows. In a 21st century global economy, our students must demonstrate the academic skills necessary to successfully position them in a career or college. Together we are creating sound educational foundations for our students. We understand the need to eliminate the achievement gap and are strategically implementing strong teaching and learning to accomplish our mission. EGUSD’s vision is reflected in our commitment to support all of our students in order that they may achieve their greatest potential.
Every day students and staff display great achievements and make valuable contributions in the classroom as well as through a variety of state and national venues. We commend all for their accomplishments.
On the budget front, California faces a turbulent forecast. Many of the one-time budget fixes are either set to expire or are built on questionable assumptions and may result in a potential budget shortfall once again. These include the 2011 expiration of the one percent sales tax; the assumption of an additional $5 billion in federal support; and several legislatively-authorized flexibilities. We, as an organization, must persistently monitor the legislative process to ensure that our legislators know that inadequate funding of public education is unacceptable.While we don’t have control of this process, we can do the best with what we do have. Our kids deserve no less.
As the school year progresses, our students will continue to engage in their world as we were so thoughtfully shown with our young student’s suggestion. We should continue to seek ways to realize our mission, focus on the positive, and do our best. It is how we move forward that defines our organization.
Paraphrasing the words of the Jedi, “May the Force be with us.”
Steven M. Ladd, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Superintendent's Archived
Messages
Welcome to the newly
redesigned website for the Elk Grove
Unified School District.
PSAT For All
Safety is one of our top priorities
Winter Break Message
Achievement Gap
Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget
California’s fiscal crisis and its potential affect on public education funding
“EGUSD Goes Gold – Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence.”
As the state of California continues to wrestle with the budget...
The autumn months are a wonderful time at our high schools...
As we move through the 2008-2009 school year it is quickly becoming clear...
The State of California’s budget crisis needs to be addressed quickly...
At the March 3, 2009, Board of Education meeting...
Springtime in Elk Grove Unified means plays, standardized testing...
Welcome back to a new year...
With cooler mornings and shorter days...
Welcome back from our holiday winter break...
For a third year in a row, the Elk Grove Unified School District faces severe budget cuts...
The Elk Grove Unified School District family has sent a powerful message...
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