It is a pleasure to serve as your new superintendent of schools at Judson ISD. I hope that our students and their families had a safe and restful holiday break and are eager to begin 2008 with a focus on academics.

In December, one of my first items of business in my new role was to visit each of our 23 campuses throughout the district.

I am pleased to report that I witnessed some great things happening in our schools. I saw students ac-tively engaged in the learning process. I saw teachers excited about ins-truction. I saw school administrators who are proud of their campuses. I spoke to parents and guardians who want our schools to bring out the best in their children. I saw many examples of what is nationally known as “Judson Pride” in every one of our schools.

When I review data and the state-mandated academic indicators for our district, I see areas where we can improve our levels of student achievement. Our campuses that are considered Acade-mically Acceptable by the Texas Education Agency are going to be working diligently to improve to Recognized status.

Conversely, our six Recog-nized campuses will take the extra steps toward earning Exemplary ratings from TEA.

Our pride and tradition for excellence in extracurricular activities such as athletics and fine arts are admirable and well-deserved. I want to build upon the recent academic gains that the district has realized to ensure that Judson ISD has a solid tradition of academic achievement as well. There is no reason why our same students who excel in extracurricular activity cannot excel equally or better in the classroom.

As your superintendent, classroom instruction will be my top priority. I want to ensure that your children receive the best possible education while enrolled in Judson schools. Secondly, our students deserve a safe and adequate learning environment. I also want to continue our record of sound fiscal management.

My personal vision for the district, which is outlined below, has been shared with our district office employees. These ideas will be instilled in all Judson employees.

• We must place the focus of education on learning and the real needs of students. These needs, which are data-driven, include changes in technology, to meet the demands of problem-solving and for keeping up with the rapid changes in the job market.

• We must set high expectations and standards for all students. We must understand that students learn in different ways and at different rates. With the right time, motivation and environment, all students will achieve.

• We must provide active learning experiences. We must provide these opportunities in addition to book and classroom experience, and we must help parents understand their role in raising academic achievement.

• We must develop partnerships with parents, local industry and community. Partnerships are essential so we can develop a well-rounded curriculum that will meet the needs of our growing workforce.

• We must improve the image of the district and its management organization.

• We must build public trust and confidence with a focus on data rather than opinion.

Our vision for improvement calls for teachers to be properly certified. They must teach in the fields of competency, be creative, emphatic, enthusiastic and expectant that all students can and will achieve growth.

In all our efforts, we must focus on preparing students for college and for life.

I look forward to a productive future for the Judson community and, most importantly, the academic success of all students.