JACKSON R-2 SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE

As I prepare this update, many Jackson R-2 students are preparing for final exams, a select group is preparing for the official graduation ceremony, and many are reflecting on an outstanding school year.

The significant number of statewide awards won by JHS students reflects the outstanding leadership provided by the Class of '96. I'm sure you join me in saluting this fine group of young men and women, and will also join me in praying God's richest blessing on them as they enter the next phase of life. For some it will be college, for others post-secondary vocational programs, for others the military awaits, and to some they will feel the immediate pressure of "paying their own way" in the world of work. Wherever life leads them, we will miss them and hope they will return to see us from time to time.

At the same time we are celebrating the memories of past achievements, we are confident that the Class of '97 will pick up the baton and carry on the rich tradition of excellence at Jackson High School. Likewise, we as parents, educators and patrons prepare to face a challenging tomorrow in the history of Jackson R-2 School District.

The Board of Education will be finalizing a proposal for voter consideration in the near future. This proposal will most likely be presented at an Aug. 8, 1996, election.

Our phenomenal growth makes construction of additional classrooms and facilities a necessity. As I discuss our growth pattern with other patrons, I regularly hear of additional housing developments in the planning stages. One brought to my attention last month includes over 170 homes in the plan. With over 750 students added to the roster in the last six years, the trend seems to be more than just a passing phase. As patrons appropriately invested in this group of graduating seniors over the past thirteen years, we must now look to future classes and the challenge of adequately preparing them for the 21st Century.

In the last update, I outlined the preliminary plans and features of a new math and science building for the high school campus. The rationale for this project was presented in the letter. Additionally, the Facilities Review Committee noted the critical need for elementary classrooms presently, with an even more urgent need apparent when enrollment trends are projected into the future.

We also believe moving to an all-day kindergarten is an important improvement to our elementary program. Currently, over 300 of the state's 500 school districts offer an all-day kindergarten. This improvement will require an additional seven classrooms based on the current 1995-96 enrollment. Pre-enrollment for kindergarten for 1996-97 is ahead of last year's record setting count of 333 students.

To accommodate the needs of our elementary students, we are proposing an addition at the North Elementary site of 10 classrooms with a library, computer classroom, an art/music classroom, two kindergarten rooms and an additional room for each grade level one through five. The expanded building would house over 300 students in a building of two rooms per grade level, kindergarten through fifth grade. Additionally, several improvements would be made to the older portion of the building.

The third component of the proposal is a new elementary school site south of Jackson, designed to house a capacity of 450 students, kindergarten through grade five, with appropriate support facilities. This facility would take considerable pressure off of West Lane Elementary, Orchard Drive Elementary and the Primary Annex, and would allow us to implement the all-day kindergarten program.

As cost estimates and other financial information is completed, the Board of Education and administration will schedule public presentations to fully inform the public regarding both the need and proposed solutions. It is our sincere desire that all patrons will take advantage of the opportunity to attend one of the public forums to receive information and receive answers to any questions.

To make the circle complete, please let our seniors know you are proud of them, and let our younger students know you think their years spent in school are important.

Howard Jones is the Jackson R-2 School District superintendent.