Message from Our Superintendent
Posted November 2, 2009

Dear CCSD Staff, Parents and Other Supporters, 

Almost everyone at every level in almost every public school district is feeling the impact of the recession this year - and most have already been dealing with significant fallout.  According to the National Education Association, more than 100,000 teachers didn't return to their jobs this fall.  The Wall Street Journal reports the cuts may put an end to a trend of more people working in education every year since 1983. 

Churchill County School District has pretty much had the perfect storm of misery hit upon us financially with the exception of passing a rollover bond last November. We are now working together with our community to make decisions that will continue to garner the community's support and willingness to support our school facilities.  We are expecting the Facilities Assessment to be completed in early spring.  We will then work with school staffs and the community to prioritize our facilities' needs.

Despite the disappointing financial picture, I am proud of the progress being made by students in each of our schools.  Our teachers are utilizing tools that the Board of Trustees have provided to measure individual student growth, and use that information to guide their instruction so that students have the information they need in order to be successful on state and national assessments. The expectations are higher this year.  However, I feel confident that our staff is working to provide all students with access to best teaching and learning practices.  We are all in this together - and each of us wants our students and staff to succeed.

While we have many distractions to the teaching and learning in our schools such as the H1N1 situation, every day miraculous teaching and learning is taking place as our teachers and support staff engage our students in their learning. 

I give thanks for the opportunity to serve the students, families and dedicated CCSD staff.  Thank you for all YOU do for so many each day throughout the year to help everyone be successful.  I hope that each of you have a safe and healthy fall and holiday season!

The following quote has even more meaning this year:

 "If you count ALL your assets, you always show a profit." Robert Quillen.

 With deep appreciation and gratitude,

Carolyn S. Ross, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools