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Superintendent Discusses Progress, Innovation and Challenges During State of Education Address
Reno, NV (Jan. 31, 2012) - During the second annual State of Education address, Superintendent Heath Morrison provided an in-depth update on the progress of the Washoe County School District's efforts to improve the quality of education for all children. He discussed the steps the District still needs to take to ensure all students in Washoe County graduate college and highly-skilled career ready and outlined the challenges facing WCSD, including the budget, as it moves forward with its reform plan.
Speaking to hundreds of parents, state and local elected officials, community members and WCSD educators, Morrison highlighted the District's achievements under its strategic plan, Envision WCSD 2015 - Investing In Our Future. Morrison cited increased graduation rates, improved test scores, and narrowed achievement gaps as evidence of the progress being made in local schools.
"We are witnessing some tremendous success stories throughout the Washoe County School District due to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, principals and staff. In addition to increased student achievement, more students are graduating better prepared for the rigorous demands of college, as indicated by their success in more challenging courses," Morrison said. "However, our work is far from finished. We still have too many achievement gaps and too many of our children need remedial courses when they enter college. We must ensure that every child receives a high-quality education that truly prepares them for their future."
Morrison highlighted several staff members who have been recognized recently throughout the state and nation as outstanding educators and leaders. He also spoke about the impact that family engagement, school culture, and highly-effective educators have on a child's success in the classroom.
Morrison detailed several of the District's latest initiatives that are making a difference in Washoe County. He highlighted the District's expansion of early childhood education, the opening of the new Signature Academies, the launch of the Parent University, the District's new anti-bullying initiatives, the growth in partnerships with businesses and higher education institutions, the creation of more robust evaluation systems, and the use of new tools to improve the transparency and accountability of the District.
WCSD Board of Trustees President Ken Grein said these programs fit into the changing public education environment. "Throughout the country and in our state, we are in the midst of this fast-paced conversation about educational reform. You can either be moving with that change or be overwhelmed by it. In the Washoe County School District, we've decided to be leaders in the reform movement, which has given us an influential voice in how these changes are crafted and implemented," Grein said.
State Assemblyman and Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee David Bobzien said the Washoe County School District is on the right track toward improved education for all children. "In our globalized economy, education is the key to ensuring a bright future for all Nevadans. Despite drastic budget reductions, Washoe County School District continues to be proactive and improve the education system through innovation and programs that meet the needs of our children."
During the State of Education address, Morrison addressed questions about the budget. Due to losses from local, state and federal funding, WCSD is facing an estimated $40 million shortfall for the next fiscal year. The District is preparing for additional cuts for fiscal year 2013-2014 that could potentially be in excess of $80 million due to numerous budget and economic factors.
During the State of Education address, Morrison announced a budget freeze as the District prepares for the budget process. The freeze includes leaving open vacant positions in the central office. Teaching vacancies will continue to be filled as needed. Spending on instructional materials and supplies will not be impacted.
"The budget continues to be a major challenge, especially when you consider the fact that we have cut $123 million during the last five years. We are hoping to see an improved economy in the next few years that will allow us to invest more in public education," Morrison said. "While we will continue to advocate for resources, WCSD is committed to improving education through innovation and increased efficiency."
Morrison also spoke about the ways in which WCSD continues to look for innovative solutions to improve student achievement, including potential changes to the school year calendar and bell schedules and increased use of technology.
State Assemblyman Pat Hickey said, "I applaud the work happening in the Washoe County School District. Improving our education system is crucial to the long-term economic development of our state. The changes happening in Washoe County will help ensure we have a highly-skilled workforce that is essential to the economic health of Nevada."
About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready. For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89512
