Outlook: Schools: Construction, accountability key watchwords for schools

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Thanks to the support of the voters of Springfield, the year 2000 will be remembered as an important year for our city and school district. |ret||ret||tab|

With passage of the $30 million bond issue in April, a renewed spirit of hope and optimism accompanied the sound of construction all around the district. |ret||ret||tab|

The renovation and new construction around the historic Central High School, a long with the other important facility improvements and new construction, will go along way in keeping our school district one that we may all be proud of. |ret||ret||tab|

At the same time as these important building projects are taking place, the district continues to focus on academic achievement and districtwide accountability.|ret||ret||tab|

So what is ahead for 2001? I can assure you that the upcoming year will hold great promise and progress for our public schools. |ret||ret||tab|

The public will soon be able to see tangible evidence of the new construction around Central High School. The new wing should be ready for the upcoming school year. |ret||ret||tab|

In addition, such projects as the new high school music rooms, the new wing of McBride Elementary, and the beginning of the new construction at McGregor Elementary will be evidenced. |ret||ret||tab|

These projects will serve as visible reminders of what we accomplished in 2000. |ret||ret||tab|

2001 also brings in a new accountability plan designed to touch every aspect of the way we conduct business at Springfield Public Schools. |ret||ret||tab|

Based on our vision, mission and core values, this accountability plan will help guide our district in a new direction. |ret||ret||tab|

This new direction will assist us in keeping our focus on successful education a highly trained one. |ret||ret||tab|

The community will be hearing a tremendous amount about our new accountability plan, and will be asked to participate in this important framework. |ret||ret||tab|

This year also brings with it a number of questions concerning our school district. |ret||ret||tab|

The complex nature of public school funding, a new group of legislators and the needs of our district all combine for an always-interesting mix of possibilities. |ret||ret||tab|

I will continue to observe situations at both the state and local levels that could impact our school funding, as well as other areas of our district. |ret||ret||tab|

2001 will offer a chance for the district and community to make important decisions about our future. |ret||ret||tab|

Deciding on the next step to renew our aging buildings, looking at ways to remain competitive so that we may continue to attract quality instructors, and the constant scrutiny on academic achievement and ways in which we may improve on our great academic past, will all be at the forefront of discussion and action during 2001. |ret||ret||tab|

I hope that all of Springfield remains engaged in this discussion about making our school an even better place in 2001 and the years ahead.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Jack Ernst is superintendent of Springfield Public Schools.)|bold_on||ret||ret||tab|

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