Building and District Updates
Fairfield Community School District | January 2025
Happy New Year...and welcome back!
Dear Fairfield Community School District Family,
It is crazy how fast the first half of the year has gone. We are back in the swing of things and look forward to the next few months. Please take a few minutes and get caught up on all things FCSD as we continue to build something special.
In this monthly update you will learn more about the following:
- Planning Ahead: District Calendar for 25/26 and 26/27
- What's Happening in Our Buildings?
- Strategic Planning: Literacy Task Force and Budget Deficit
- Communication Outlets (Winter weather is here)
- Superintendent's Message: 10 Things I learned in 2024
If you don't like reading, click on the video below.
Planning Ahead
Be on the lookout for board meetings that have draft calendars ready to view. We would like to get next year's calendar set in the next month or two along with the 26/27 school calendar. This will allow for more purposeful planning for everyone involved in the system. Please reach out if you have any thoughts around our current calendar. Thanks!
Building Newsletters
What's happening in our buildings? Click on your child's building below.
Each month we will link the building level newsletter on the district wide communication. As feedback comes in, we will make adjustments as needed. Thanks!
Strategic Planning
There are currently two big ticket items that we will be working through over the next few months connected to our strategic planning process. The first is connected to our literacy focus for all K-8 students in the district. Our goal is to solidify a unified approach in all three buildings (Washington, Pence and the Middle School) that builds upon each grade level standard with reading and writing. We have representation from all three buildings navigating this task and look forward to the finished product.
The second item is connected to our budget. With enrollment trends continuing to decline, the board has directed administration to find a way to cut $900,000 from the general fund budget. We are currently in the process of identifying changes for next year and will be communicating those to all stakeholders before spring break. Our staff has been made aware already, and we are looking for ways to continue to grow as professionals as our resources shrink.
Communication Outlets
We have a variety of ways to stay connected with all things FCSD. Please check out these options connected the district as a whole, and like or follow them!
Superintendent's Message
10 Things I Learned in 2024
Parenting two teenagers is hard: Parenting teens is like navigating uncharted waters; every day can bring new challenges and opportunities to connect. The key is maintaining open communication, being patient, and remembering that you're shaping their journey while learning from them. My wife Julie does an amazing job at this, I learn from her daily. There are times I want to give up, but hard work pays off! (#3)
Slow Down: Whether it's a busy day at work or a chaotic evening at home, slowing down allows you to be fully present. Slowing down reminds you to savor moments with your kids, show gratitude in your relationships, and approach leadership decisions thoughtfully.
Hard work pays off….ALWAYS: Hard work doesn't always yield immediate results, but persistence builds credibility and character. Whether it's late nights helping our kids through a situation, tough conversations as a leader of learners, or showing up for my family after a long day, I’ve learned that consistent effort matters. The rewards may not come immediately, but they always show up in stronger relationships, better outcomes, and the pride of knowing I gave my best.
Be thankful for where you are at: Gratitude shifts perspective. Whether it’s in moments of professional challenges or personal chaos, pausing to acknowledge what’s going well can bring clarity, energy, and appreciation for your journey. This past year has presented many opportunities for me to grow in this area.
Never stop asking questions: Whether I’m trying to understand what’s going on in my teenagers’ lives, making decisions as a leader, or simply learning something new, staying curious keeps me growing. Asking questions isn’t just about getting answers—it’s about building connections, gaining perspective, and showing that you care enough to dig deeper.
There’s more to life: Not much to say here, but we know that our profession is hard. There is more to life than our job! It will always be there, but other things in life may not…
It’s OK to do hard things: Moving from Solon to Fairfield has been much harder than expected. I am not exactly sure why, but I continue to find ways to embrace the struggle and find ways to grow through it.
Flexibility is key: Life rarely goes as planned, whether it’s adjusting to my kids’ changing needs, navigating unexpected challenges at school, or adapting as a family. Being flexible doesn’t mean losing focus—it means staying open, finding creative solutions, and showing grace when things don’t go the way I thought they would. This past year has provided many opportunities to become more flexible.
It takes a village: Nothing gets accomplished without a strong team. Early in my career I was focused on what I could do, or how I could make an impact. This thinking was misguided, selfish and at times arrogant. Over time this mindset has shifted significantly. The collective effort of a team allows for more support, creativity and will lead to more success over time.
Habits create sustainability: Consistency in small, intentional actions builds lasting change. Whether it's bedtime routines with your kids, regular check-ins with your spouse, or strategic habits at work, sustainable progress starts with habits.