In a recent school board meeting, newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Armstrong delivered her inaugural report, highlighting key initiatives and themes for the upcoming academic year. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for staff members and students lost, emphasizing the district's commitment to honoring their contributions while looking forward to serving the community.

Dr. Armstrong expressed gratitude for her selection as superintendent and outlined her plans for July, which include strategic planning, collaboration, and a focus on improving student achievement. She identified six primary themes that emerged from discussions with board members: enhancing communication, fostering relationships, ensuring financial health, improving board governance, monitoring performance, and increasing community engagement.

A significant focus of the meeting was the Summer Acceleration Academy, which aims to support historically underserved students through literacy and enrichment programs. Dr. Armstrong reported that 2,401 students are currently enrolled, with an impressive 80% attendance rate in the program's early days. The academy provides free meals and transportation, and emphasizes small group instruction to maximize student engagement.

The superintendent also referenced a recent OPB article discussing the positive impacts of Measure 98, which has contributed to student success in career and technical education (CTE) programs. She shared data on the district's 2024 graduates, noting achievements across various educational pathways.

Board members expressed interest in receiving comparative data on summer learning access and its effectiveness, particularly in relation to advocacy efforts for future funding. Dr. Armstrong assured them that a comprehensive report would be provided in the fall, including insights on the long-term impact of the Summer Acceleration Academy on student outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and collaboration as the district prepares for the upcoming school year, reinforcing the message that \"together, we rise.\"