The following is the second half of a message shared by Tom Thompson yesterday.
Change happens when leaders take the necessary steps to strengthen partnerships with our businesses and communities. Change happens when we create a broad-based support from parents, school communities, institutions of higher education, policymakers, business and industry, foundations, and other segments of the community.
I know the system, inside and out, at all levels K-16, even K-20. In addition, I know the people in the system, those who serve as teachers, principals, district leaders, including our superintendents. That makes me more able to build the coalitions needed to bring about significant change in the system, targeting their attention and focus on student achievement and the factors that contribute to their success.
We know that many of the issues that confront our schools exist far before some of our students ever arrive on the doorsteps of a school. To address these issues, we must all take responsibility and work together.
By enhancing these partnerships, we will be able to help districts and schools leverage funds at the local level, as well as to secure the necessary support at the state-level. These collaborative strategies are also needed to compete for federal funds.
As I have shared repeatedly over the past several months, my platform has revolved around student achievement and to make that happen, several components need to be in place. It is time for a change – one where a strong commitment to improving the academic success of every student is built and sustained. My focus has never wavered. We will create a stable fiscal base for schools, provide all children a safe and secure environment, support terrific teaching, aggressively engage our schools and communities in stronger partnerships (including increased parental involvement), and target resources to replace out-dated facilities.
Yes, it is about change. Now, let’s get it done. It begins with your support and your vote on June 8th.
