As we begin the 2006-2007 school year, I want to express that it is indeed my privilege and good fortune to serve the Konocti Unified School District as your Superintendent of Schools. While I know that the challenges facing public education today are many, I also know that for us to be highly successful, we need to have a strong team of dedicated and caring professionals working with a supportive community for the benefit of all children. No one person or group can accomplish our mission alone.
Much was accomplished here in Konocti during 2005-2006.
* Our 10-year Strategic Plan was developed with the input of a diverse group of students, parents, staff, and community members. It was adopted by the Board of Trustees on Nov. 2, 2005.
* Measure G building projects are in full swing with the addition of new classrooms at Burns Valley Elementary and Lower Lake High School as well as the new library at East Lake School.
* The district secured a Community Policing Grant in collaboration with the Clearlake Police Department and the Lake County Probation Department, placing a full time school resource officer and probation officer in our schools.
* The district secured a School Library Grant, enabling us to add numerous new books to our libraries and provide videoconferencing technology in each of our school libraries.
* New York Times best selling author, Monty Roberts, and his Join~Up? International group have partnered with the district to assist us in consistently and persistently teaching our children that “Violence is Never the Answer.”
* East Lake School posted the highest California Academic Performance score in the history of the Konocti Unified School District with a record breaking 703 points.
* Meeting state test scores goals at Lower Lake Elementary for two consecutive years resulted in the school exiting Program Improvement status under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation.
* Konocti seniors at all schools passed the new California High School Exit Exam at a rate far exceeding state averages.
* Lower Lake High School committed to the development of a college-going culture with the Algebra Academy, hosting college recruiters, financial aid workshops and more. Many graduates of the Class of 2006 have been accepted to and will be attending four-year colleges this fall.
Improving student achievement continues to remain our number one priority here in Konocti. To us, this means more than just test scores; it is a well rounded individual who has had opportunities to learn and grow in areas of arts, athletics, and school activities. It is sending our youth out into the world, prepared for their lives, prepared to achieve their goals and dreams. If we are serious about improving achievement for each and every student in our district, then I realize that every person — superintendent, board members, staff, and parents must reach out to work cooperatively with our community to get the job done.
As a resident of Clearlake and committed community member, I have found just that kind of effort. Everywhere I go, I meet caring and dedicated people who are committed to the benefit of our young people. I can say with confident assurance that “Konocti loves its children!”
In my service as Superintendent, I will be guided by the following values:
* Open, honest communication and sharing of information.
* Building trust.
* Being accountable.
* Support for schools and the welfare of children in the entire community.
* Focus on improving student achievement.
* Planning for the future (finances, facilities, and curriculum).
* Guide all decisions by “What is best for the students?”
During the 2006-2007 school year, we will be committing our resources and energies to the implementation of our long term strategic plan. Building projects will continue with additions of the new library at Lower Lake High School and Burns Valley. We anticipate the beginnings of work on the new gymnasium. Veteran educator Jeff Dixon has returned home to Lake County to take the helm at Lower Lake High School as its new principal. We are opening new Konocti Community Day School in the former location of the Genesis Academy under the leadership of teaching-principal, Kristyn Leigh Freeman. Author Ruby Payne, author of “A Framework for Understanding Poverty,” will join all of our staff at Konocti Harbor on Wednesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Aug. 24 for training. This event is open to the entire community. Monty Roberts will be joining us monthly either in person or via videoconferencing. We invite you to visit our new and improved Web site at www.konoctiusd.lake. k12.ca.us, where you may register for the Ruby Payne conference and learn what is going on in all of our departments.
Our commitment as district administration is to provide strong, positive leadership to educate our students for the 21st Century. We will work hard to focus our energies in a positive direction. We respect and value staff, parent and community input. I look forward to this year and the opportunity to listen, learn, and work together. Have a wonderful school year!
