From our Superintendent...

Dear Parents,   Welcome to Jackson Public Schools. Thank you from our entire school family for allowing us to work with your children. Your commitment has raised the bar and prompted improvement in all areas of our operations In July of 2008, we put in place a bold plan based on recommendations from our community. Significant achievements made during the past year include:

89.1% High School Graduation Rate  National Academic Games Champions  Louis Glick Community Baseball Field  MSBOA Band Director of the Year CAAC Bowling Champions   Nationally Recognized for Coordinated School Health Program  International Baccalaureate Candidate School  CAAC Volleyball Champions and Jackson County Champions "Marking Noise in Libraries" Award 1st Place in the Teressa Delph Oratorical Contest  Top Band and Choir Honors at State Festivals  One of the Highest Building MEAP Scores in Jackson County Back to Basics Our plan calls for getting back to the basics and executing the fundamentals of sound educational practice. Getting back to basics doesn't mean going backwards; it means we are going to provide the highest level of quality and value to our students and parents. These are timeless fundamentals and key to being a great school district. Staff Training Our first priority is to improve staff quality through researched based training. If you look at our history, it is clear that our successes have always been driven by outstanding teachers, support staff and administrators. Fiscal Responsibility Our commitment is to make our balance sheet strong and maintain its strength into the future. The Board approved a yearly amount be placed in our fund balance until the district has eliminated borrowing. This will take a commitment from our entire organization. Updating 50 Year Old Facilities Facility issues continue to challenge the district. While we have made considerable progress, we will need to ask the community to help us by providing a one mill increase for updating classrooms, roofs, floors and plumbing because all are over 50 years old. Given the poor economy, the government is offering, on a first come, first serve basis, interest free bonds. This would save the community millions of dollars. It is with this in mind that we would humbly ask the community to positively consider the district's proposal. JPS Strengths Are Its Base We face serious challenges, but we also have many strengths. We have great teachers, administrators and support staff who are committed to improving our district. We have put in place a plan of action that provides a structure of continuous improvement. Despite the difficult actions we must take, a high priority for us, and for me personally, will be to build relationships with our extended school family of students, parents, employees and community. Remember, employees are the only sustainable, competitive advantage that any school system has. We will not forget that. Jackson Public Schools is a great school system with an incredible heritage. We have learned from our past that innovation, hard work and commitment are the keys to building a successful future. Despite difficult circumstances, we will survive and prosper to leave a greater legacy in the 21st Century. We are looking forward and moving forward. Thank you for your support of our efforts. Daniel M. Evans Superintendent