Welcome Back!
I look forward to the coming of fall and the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. I said it last year, and will say it again…………. Fall is a great time: kids back in a steady routine, cooler temps, harvest time and fall sports.
After a busy summer, I look forward to the buildings being full of staff and students again. For those of us that work with students, it is fulfilling to watch them grow into mature individuals that will soon be on their own, and take their place in society. I am confident that we assist shaping students in a positive way.
We look forward to a great year at school and our staff will be eager to begin 2017-18. We welcome back all returning staff and welcome a new Principal, Mr. Matt Mezger, and an additional Special Education Teacher at the high school, Mrs. Michelle Goeking. Please make them feel welcome at home at D-O.
We continue to work on facility upgrades to insure we can move into the future and maintain and improve the buildings we have. To be relevant in the future small communities need to continually look to improve and be attractive places to live, work, and have children attend school.
The Board is continuing to discuss the building a new competition gym. They have reviewed the results of the survey, yet welcome any input. From my perspective, I support the project. At some point in the coming years, a project will need to occur. With increasing building costs every year it is not done, it will only be more expensive.
By not continuing to improve our facilities, is not being realistic as we plan on maintaining a school far into the future. We are in a unique situation where we can pay for a gym project in a few number of years and not have a bond issue or long term debt. I welcome anyone to stop by and visit with me about it. However, in the end, it is the Board’s decision to decide if they want to pursue a gym project or not.
We are very proud of our students' achievements at school. The success is to be shared by all stakeholders. I firmly believe what makes our system so strong is the relationship between Teachers, Students, Parents, Administration, Board and Community.
We all need to make the most of our time and continue to make our small part of the world a better place for everyone.
I am looking forward to a terrific 2017-18. Our students and our staff have great things ahead this year!
Go Griffs!
Mike Meyerle, Superintendent