Superintendent Update

Dear Sheridan Families,

As we prepare for the coming school year, I have been reflecting on the accomplishments and challenges of the previous four years. Here are just a few that come to mind:

• Reopening schools through the pandemic during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years

• Staff turnover and increasing the number of staff who live within Sheridan School District

• Addressing youth substance use, increasing education and student drug & alcohol counseling

• Closed campus for SHS, students grades 10-12 can leave campus for lunch if they have good attendance and are passing their classes

• Increased middle school electives, adding Intro to AG

• Added a K-5 music teacher, growing our music, band, and choir programs

• Safe Routes to School Grant with the City, analysis of how our students walk, roll, and bike to and from school, some initiatives started

• School Based Health Services grant, increased nursing services

• Revisioning process of SHS with increased security, updating the old gym and locker rooms to be fully operational, new classrooms to replace portables

• Two capital construction bond campaigns, both failed with close voter margins

• Changed to a modified four-day student week, addressed the substitute shortage and provided staff with training, lesson planning, and meeting time on Fridays

• Drafted a strategic plan with three focus areas: Successful Students, Invested Employees, and Connected Community

• Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center project started, over $5.6 million raised!

I am grateful for the many individuals who have contributed to our accomplishments, and support of the staff and community as we addressed the challenges! Sheridan School District, with the support of community organizations, continues to improve how we serve our students and families.

As Master Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

I am looking forward to the 2024-25 school year!