So, I started this job on July 1 which means I’ve had a good
3 months to visit around and meet with people and listen to their thoughts on
Calvert County Public Schools. I’d like
to share with you some of my first impressions in no particular order.
·
This is a nice place to live and raise a
family. It has a rural feel, yet is
close to major metropolitan areas. I
like that I don’t have to go far to see the Chesapeake Bay.
·
There are an amazing number of people who tell
me they moved here specifically for the schools - like the young lady who cut my hair in Lusby
when I was just scouting this place out and most recently like the deputy
sheriff who stopped me for going too fast on Rt.260. Yes, they got me. 8-)>
·
Student achievement is very high. When the MSA results were released this
summer, Calvert County Public Schools were on top in most every category.
·
We have a lot of good principals who use that
leadership role to keep students in school and to help teachers get the
resources they need to do the best job possible.
·
We have a lot of caring teachers who were
sincerely conflicted when the union suggested they should make a statement
about teacher compensation by skipping out on open houses.
·
Our school buildings, though many have some age
on them, are well maintained. Our
maintenance and building services workers take great pride in their work and it
shows.
·
I think the county could make a lot of money if
it charged politicians a fee for every sign they put up. I have never seen so many signs up so early
for a November election.
·
We have a lot of work (really hard work and
difficult decisions) ahead of us, if we are going to get our financial house in
order. Health care costs sky rocketed
last year. Employees would like a raise,
but this year’s budget required a significant infusion from our fund balance
(at home you would call this your savings account).
I’m really enjoying the role of superintendent in Calvert
County Public Schools. In many ways,
though my children are grown, I moved here for the quality of the schools as
well. I love a good challenge and there
is no greater one than making the best better.
I have found the school board and staff members and community leaders to
be open to moving in that direction.