A note from Superintendent Bassanelli: End-of-year reflections and a look to the future

Good afternoon,

It’s hard to believe that the 2023-24 school year is coming to a close. Like any other year, we’ve seen many challenges, accomplishments and new opportunities across our school communities. One area that sticks out for me this year is our work on developing a proposed student dress code that is more inclusive. After working closely with students, families and staff, a proposed policy to make the dress code a reality will be taken to the Board of Education for action soon.  

Another area where voice has played an important role this year is in the development of our new strategic plan. The strategic planning process has been a major focus for our district this year, as we worked to ensure that the voices of our students, staff and families were incorporated into the plan. From that voice, the plan identifies four priority areas:

• Advancing and supporting student success

• Prioritizing equitable practices

• Enhancing employee systems and supports, and

• Engaging students, families and community as valued educational partners. 

Through the work of more than 80 students, parents and guardians, staff members and community members, outcome goals that will indicate our success in each priority area were identified along with a revised mission and vision. Now we move to building action plans to make these goals a reality. 

I recently had the opportunity to discuss our new strategic plan with two dedicated individuals who provided valuable insight into this process. I encourage you to watch our conversation and be sure to stay for the end to celebrate many of the highlights from the past year. 

I hope you are all able to take the time you need over the summer to relax and recharge, and I look forward to seeing you all in the 2024-25 school year. 

In community,

Melissa Bassanelli
Superintendent