A Message from Superintendent Mike Meyerle
Being in education, I have heard the phrase "Back to School" a long time. As a Superintendent, I am at the school year round, but it is time to welcome everyone back.
The phrase "Back to School" conjures up thoughts of supplies, schedules and activities. It also for me has always made me look forward to the fall, and of course football. I welcome the chilly mornings and evenings and what I refer to as "sweatshirt and shorts weather". The only thing better is to be able to add a stocking hat.
Welcome back all students and staff. I again look forward to a successful school year. We have so much to be proud of and feel good about. Our school only runs well when everyone is doing their best to fulfill their duties at our school. Everyone's roles are important in having a positive school climate.
For the first time in several years, we had no staff turn-over. Replacing staff members usually comes naturally through retirements, but not always. It has been nice to not have that on the plate for this year and am glad everyone is back. Consistency is positive. This will be the first year in 15 years as an administrator that I have not been the Activities Director. I have mixed emotions about moving on for the position, but feel the change will be very positive. It was becoming evident that I could not attend everything I felt I should as a Superintendent, when there were AD duties to take care of back at school. Mr. Ropers is taking over the AD duties and is looking forward to the opportunity.
We have done a number of things to improve our buildings in my first two years as Superintendant. The good thing about the projects, is that we planned for them and paid for them as we did them. There is no debt. The projects that we have undertaken are vital to our ability to maintain a good school climate. First, one must provide a safe and secure atmosphere, and second things need to look nice not only so we have something to be proud of, but also to attract new employees and students to want to be here. Much of the time when people consider a move, one of the first things they do is go and look and the school. Doing what is needed for our school, yet being fair to our tax payers is not a task I take lightly. Both are very important and have my attention.
Our Board has been supportive of the ideas presented to them and we have been progressive the past two years. The good thing about improvements like roof repair, gym upgrades, security improvements, window replacement, and AC in the elementary gym is that these improvements last a long time and are an investment in our buildings. Even though our facilities are older, I expect them to be as modern and comfortable as possible.
We also want to be a leader in the technology we put in our students hands. This improvement process will never end as changes in tech just explode, but we will budget for annual improvements.
We also continue to upgrade our aging bus fleet. We don't want our kids riding in buses that are too old and not reliable. This will continue to be an annual upgrade as well.
As test scores come out each year, please note the ones from Diller-Odell. We do well and it is something all stakeholders should be proud of. This is not only a reflection of our students, but of our staff and the expectations of our communities.
In closing I wish our family of dedicated staff and students the best this year. I look forward to successes in the classroom and in activities. Expectations are high for our students in the classroom and activities. Our athletic teams should have lofty goals. High expectations and hating to lose has to be the attitude. Losing sucks the life right out of a person.
As I grow older I realize how important it is to surround yourself with great people. Hiring quality people is a huge part of my job. As I recently read an article about leadership, the following quote by Pat Bowlen that I believe best describes my philosophy.
"Leadership is not about micromanagement, pushing others aside and doing everything. Nor is it about sitting on a throne and issuing edicts. Leadership is about empowering others and setting an example to follow."
I sincerely believe that school should be a positive, fun place for all involved. My hope is that it indeed that for everyone. Thanks to everyone for all you do for our school. Have a great 2014-15!
Go Griffs.