Students, teachers and staff were back this week along with the comfortable hum of noise that accompanies them. Like all weeks back after a long break, it seemed like there was a lot to be accomplished.
The Scott County Catholic Schools Advisory Board met this week and we spent a lot of time discussing the current state of tuition assistance, as well as the difference between teacher salaries at the public and private institution in the county, specifically ways to bridge the gap between the two. We spent some time discussing the Wichita model, and how it has impacted that diocese.
The Assumption Foundation continues on with the Embracing our Future 2.0 campaign. A special thanks to all those who have taken time out of their busy schedules to meet with me and who have pledged to support our Scott County Catholic Schools. It is great to hear people’s “Assumption story,” and share how their education has impacted their lives. We spent some time discussing this at the Foundation meeting Tuesday, along with several investment policy changes. Make sure to check out last week’s update for more on what this campaign is all about.
The 2012-13 budget was approved at the school board meeting on Tuesday Thanks to the finance committee and the Board of Directors for giving due diligence to the budget. It takes a lot of time to look over all of our projections and ask challenging but necessary questions, and we greatly appreciate all your effort. Among other things, next year’s budget contains huge technology upgrades to Assumption. In the past several weeks I have discussed the bandwidth increase that was essential for us. That bandwidth increase was approved with the passing of the budget. We have also budgeted for 1:1 computers for our juniors and seniors. This project will put a laptop in the hands of every junior and senior student to use for the entire school year. While the details on how this will work are still in development, we are so excited to be able to provide this opportunity to our students to prepare them for not only college, but to be a contributing member of the workforce.
On Wednesday Erica Grubbs, Bradley Grothus, Jacob Guisse, Katelyn Shultz, Eric Ries and I attended the Iowa Advocates for Choice in Education event in Des Moines. It was so much fun to watch our students talk to their legislators and the governor about the importance of Catholic schools and the STO program. On the way home our students stated again and again how neat it was to experience this type of event, and I was very proud of our students and their willingness to take part in such an important cause. When we returned I sent an email to all of the diocese administrators encouraging them to take part next year. We really need the support of all schools in the Diocese of Davenport to make a major impact on our legislators.
Chuck and I met with Bishop Amos on Thursday to discuss several opportunities for Assumption. Part of the discussion pertained to the possibility of having a priest at Assumption. We will be working on the feasibility of this with the help of the Bishop and Msgr. Hyland. The second part of our conversation focused on religion curriculum and scheduling. Chuck and I felt great about this conversation, and we believe that we have an understanding of ways to address the challenges we face. One of the things discussed was some of our current practices which incorporate the Catholic faith into the everyday lives of Assumption students. The Bishop complimented us on our efforts.
We will be having our monthly Scott County principals meeting this afternoon. It is another full schedule of issues for us to partner together on, and I look forward to attacking these head on.
Discussion will include: 5th and 8th grade coming to AHS for the musical, algebra testing, 5th grade band transportation, diocesan assessments, Mediacom and Trinity Lutheran, Teddy Bear Preschool at AHS, band teachers, AD meetings, and special ed. resource.
Whew! What a full week.
Don’t forget to purchase tickets for next weekend’s performance of Guys and Dolls! Shows are at 7:30 March 30th and 31st, and 2:00 on Sunday, April 1st. Tickets are available online via the Assumption website, and will also be available at the door.
Have a great weekend.
Andy
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