We made it! It is hard to believe we have reached the end of the 2021-2022 school year! For the first time in two school years, our students were able to fully access the opportunities they need and deserve. Seeing our students engaged in cooperative learning, partnering one-on-one with a peer, presenting science fair projects, taking field trips, showcasing art displays, playing sports and performing musicals in front of a “packed house” clearly confirmed the critical role our school district plays in the betterment of our community and the intellectual and social development of our students. Thank you to our students, parents, and community for supporting us during this difficult era.
This school year did not come without its challenges. We experienced sadness with the loss of a student and staff members. As we always do, we came together and supported our coworkers and with the support of our community, we were able to continue to move forward together.
On a positive note, we finished our first year at the new Bloom-Carroll Elementary School. After establishing new routines and procedures, we were able to increase safety, provide resources for our students and collaboration opportunities for our staff that were not efficiently possible before. Our athletic teams, marching band, visual and performing arts programs are consistently performing at their highest levels in the history of our schools. Without a doubt, the 2021-2022 school year was a success for our students.
As you unwind this summer, we will be busy preparing for the 2022-2023 school year. Our maintenance and custodial staff members will be deep cleaning our schools; annual school bus maintenance and inspections will take place. As our district continues to steadily grow, we will continue making every effort to carefully manage our resources. New teaching and support positions are being added in a responsible manner to meet the most pressing needs of our students and staff.
The future of our school district remains bright, but not without challenges. In every challenge is a great opportunity for success. Continuing to partner with parents and other stakeholders to foster continuous improvements in student safety, achievement and relationships will always be our priorities. Some of the most difficult challenges facing the district includes managing our resources – facilities, personnel, and finances - with our increasing enrollment. Student enrollment increased by 358 students in the last ten years and we are currently serving 2,186 students in our buildings. The impact of inflation and the surging cost of fuel, instructional materials and supplies is only compounding our operational challenges.
As we head back to school in late August, I look forward to sharing more details about short-term and long-term plans. Next fall, we will be releasing an updated quality profile highlighting important information about our schools. For now, please make time to enjoy your family this summer and thank you for supporting the Bloom-Carroll Local School District.
Go Bulldogs!
Shawn Haughn
Superintendent