Superintendent's Thoughts

Blue Ridge Tiger Readers:

This year is moving forward at a rapid pace. We have worked diligently to create an environment in Blue Ridge ISD that is supportive of the students, parents, and the community. In order to reach our goals everyone must do his or her part. At the January 19, 2009 BRISD Board meeting the following District Goals were approved:

District Goal 1:   The district will provide high quality academic programs for all students.

District Goal 2:   The district will provide a curriculum that prepares the students for 21^st century employment skills.

District Goal 3:   The district will adopt a budget that is aligned to the academic needs of the students.

District Goal 4:   The district will collaborate and communicate with the parents and community.

District Goal 5:   The district will provide a professional instructional staff to meet the needs of all students.

District Goal 6:   The district will increase the student leadership at each campus.

The implementation of the above District Goals is the 2009-2010 focus of the Board of Trustees, Superintendent, Campus Administrator, and Educators. The end result is to provide a better quality education for the students in the Blue Ridge Independent School District from PK through 12^th grade.

The Technology Task Force meets the first Thursday of every month to analyze, develop, and implement the District Technology Plan. The focus of this group is to work towards providing foundational technology resources in classrooms/schools based on educational needs, curriculum requirements, and facility capabilities. This group is working on a long range plan to insure that students have the necessary tools to enhance learning. Professional Development for educators to utilize the identified technology in the classroom is an important part of the plan. This will insure the infusion of technology into instructional units rather than using technology with no connection to the lesson. While there are many examples that can be given to illustrate excellence where teachers are doing an excellent job enhancing their lessons through technology, we want to increase those opportunities.

Communication with parents and the community is valued in our school system.  We expect to discuss issues with parents as it relates to their children. All parents/guardians are welcome to visit and participate in the education of their children. If there is a need to discuss an issue regarding your child, then I encourage you to schedule a parent/teacher  conference for that issue. If the concern continues, then schedule a meeting with the campus administrator. As the Superintendent I will meet with you if no resolution is reached for that issue after your meeting with the administrator.  We need to have the ability to meet to discuss issues and identify solutions. While a consensus may not be reached for every issue, please remember that everyone must work towards the goal of providing the best education possible for OUR children. Everyone has a vested interest in BRISD being as successful as possible.

Another way to keep informed and support our school district is to join the PTO. I meet with the PTO officers once a month. This is an informal meeting that allows open discussion as it relates to our school system. Information from that meeting should be shared at the PTO meetings.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need more information.

Todd Lintzen, Blue Ridge Tiger