As the class of 2016 graduated, we had the opportunity to celebrate their amazing achievements and to reflect on their contributions to our community and beyond.
Congratulations again, and our very best wishes to each of you.
Beyond academics, athletics, the arts, and community service, our district, under the direction of our Board of Education, has achieved outstanding financial status.
In the school year 2015-2016, the district met all board budget parameters and maintained a balanced budget for the third consecutive year.
We have also added to the district’s fund equity, thus ending the need for cashflow borrowing, which will save the district $30,000 each year.
The district has settled contracts with our employees, increased compensation, and continued to control benefits costs.
We could not do any of this without positive collaboration with our employees.
Meeting the Board’s budget parameters has allowed the district to maintain reduced class sizes, grow world language opportunities, and increase students’ time in music and art, at the elementary level. The district has also expanded the Leader in Me initiative and added social work services to better meet the social and emotional needs of our elementary students.
This fall, our preschool and Young Fives programs will engage a new curriculum, High Scope, focused specifically on young children.
At the secondary level, we have, in partnership with the University of Michigan – Flint, expanded dual enrollment options for students.
The district now offers two U of M – Flint programs, exclusively for high school students, on the CHS campus, during the school day, taught by U of M – Flint faculty members.
CCS continues to enroll more secondary students in career and technical education programs, compared with the rest of Oakland County.
Our students have expanded their community service contributions and our junior high school hosted their first student learning showcase.
CCS will add counselors and deans of students at the secondary level to better meet the needs of our students.
As the superintendent of schools, I am extremely pleased to lead a fiscally responsible school system.
Financial responsibility ~ a focus on the whole child ~ excellent teachers and leaders ~ high expectations ~ hard working and gritty students ~ and collaborations with our community foster outstanding achievements.
Thank you to everyone who takes time to make a positive difference in the lives of our children.
Dr. Rod Rock is superintendent of Clarkston Community Schools