Common Questions for the Superintendent

In the course of conducting the business of Salmon School District, I am often asked, "What are your priorities for the District?" I welcome the chance to respond to this question here in print.

First, I believe it is the role of the District Staff to support our schools, who in turn support our teachers, who are there for our students. Our entire system is about the students who attend Salmon District schools. I invite you to take a few minutes and watch the following TED video by Ken Robinson. Just click on the link:

Ken Robinson on Education

Second, we are a public agency. We are entrusted with public funds. It is therefore the responsibility of the District to conduct our business in an open and transparent manner. We must strive to see that the limited funds are utilized to make a difference for our students. That means we must maintain safe and inviting environments in which our students can learn. It is critical that we provide the necessary tools for our teachers to be able to make a difference for the students we serve. It means we have the responsibility to make fiscal decisions not the basis of public pressures, but on the truest and most accurate information available to the Board of Trustees. This means it is critical to gather information in a timely manner, and to seek input from multiple reliable sources. Finally, it means that we must be fully transparent in sharing that information with the public we serve.

Third, we must operate with standards and accountability. Standards must be clear, understandable, and readily accessible. In order to hold students, parents and staff members accountable, the standards must be known and understood. We have the responsibility to articulate the standards, review them as needed, and then be absolutely consistent in administering those standards. This is true in all areas, from budget and finance, to dress code, to student and teacher conduct. If we continually make exceptions to our rules, then the exceptions become the rule and there is no standard.

As we move forward, It is my hope that we can make these three priorities a reality in Salmon School District. We are not perfect. We make our share of mistakes. However, as we now move forward, it is without excuses and with our focus not on what's wrong with the District but on what can be right for the District. As noted in the video clip, it is critical that we focus on what is best for our students. All of our staff members will have viewed this clip prior to the start of the 2013-14 school year. We will have reviewed our budget together. We will emphasize accountability and review standards for all employees and for our students. We invite you to join in supporting this effort as we move forward to make a difference for the students of our District.