Dear West Geauga Parent/Guardian,
I have truly enjoyed the first few weeks of school. It is nice to have our students and staff back on site. As you already know, we have great kids and a dedicated and talented group of teachers, administrators, and support personnel.
I have certainly enjoyed returning to work with so many familiar faces in Geauga County. I have appreciated the comments of those who have welcomed me back “home”. I admit to a certain comfort that is derived from working with people whom I have known for nearly 20 years. Thank you to everyone who has made me a part of the fabric of life here.
The 2015-2016 school year is off to a great start thanks to the collective efforts of many. It will be a busy year. We have a lot to do. The following list highlights some of the efforts that we will tackle this year.
Student Achievement – We will be focusing on student achievement through the lens of instruction. Our teachers and principals will examine what classroom strategies yield the best learning results. We will do this in the context of the buildings’ Professional Learning Communities and throughout the school year as part of our district professional development activities.
Curriculum – We will be broadening and deepening the spectrum of what is taught in all subject areas including special education and gifted programs.
Technology – The district will continue to upgrade and enhance its educational technology in a meaningful, productive, and cost effective manner.
Facilities – The maintenance and care of our buildings and grounds will receive attention beginning with the immediate renovation of the Varsity Baseball Field. The facility is in great need of major remediation. The West Geauga Board of Education will be awarding a contract for the renovation of the field at its next meeting. We have a short timeline. We want the field ready for play in the spring.
District Security – The Ohio Department of Education recently issued a new reporting template for school districts to design and implement security plans. The plans, completed in cooperation with police, fire, and county emergency service providers, are evaluated by the Office of Homeland Security. The plans are lengthy, comprehensive, and detailed. We are in the process of revising and composing our plans to satisfy the new format. In the meantime, our old plans, which are on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Department of Education, are fully operational.
These are but a few of the projects in which we are currently engaged. Thank you for providing us with the resources to accomplish these tasks. Thank you even more for entrusting us with our most valuable resource, your wonderful children.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rich Markwardt, Superintendent
