1. + Superintendent Update April 7, 2014 Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent GATES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2. + Gates County Public Schools: Each child prepared for life

3. + Previous Presentations Focus: Federal/State laws = Underfunded Mandates Superintendent/School Board Request Director’s/Principal’s Request/Teacher Request Leadership Perspective (Past/Present/Future) 5-Year Strategic Plan Lens Budget 101 So how about this perspective on the importance of “Education”

4. + Every family is vulnerable and every child is special Role of education is to help parents prepare their children for success in life – "The education outcome that parents want is a well- rounded and productive individual who can seize opportunities and successfully overcome life's inevitable challenges."

5. + Think about it this way Parents want to create a well-rounded, highly adaptable adult who is able to succeed by seizing opportunities and overcoming adversities—the purpose of education is to actualize that aspiration. Education is not an end, but a means to an end: a resource to help parents feel confident that they are preparing their children for success in life. Education is not a system, it is a personal growth experience for parents and children that is made possible by smart and compassionate people working together to help actualize personal and social goals.

6. + Agree or Disagree Gates County public schools prepare our children to be successful in life and that gives me confidence in the future of our community, county and our state. I take satisfaction in knowing that Gates County public school teachers help each child excel – making an essential contribution to the well-being of students, families, communities and our county. I, Agree Disagree I, Agree Disagree

7. Most critical areas for improvement in public schools Budget Process96% Underpaid Teachers93% Class sizes too large86% Not enough investment in teacher’s profess growth77% School Buildings75% Not enough technology65% Bullying 46% Student discipline44% Safety31% Funding mechanisms25% Overpaid teachers 3% Oversight 3% Don’t know 1%

8. 2014-2015 Kindergarten Class – Any Takers?

9. + Public Education is Important BETTER SOCIETY The quality of our future depends on it Contributes to the future of our community Contributes to our democracy Creates our future workforce Improves our community, state and country EQUAL & FAIR SCHOOLS Ensures all children get equal access and opportunities Appeals to my sense of fairness and equality

10. + Gates County Public Schools Accomplished Parents Gives me a sense of accomplishment as a parent (or other contributing adult) Gives me peace of mind to know young people are receiving a quality education Successful Individuals Creates future leaders Creates successful individuals Creates self-sufficient individuals Brings prosperity for individuals

11. Accomplished Parents Better Society Successful Individuals Hopeful & Optimistic Excellence & Interaction Opportunity to Excel Involved Parents Specialized Programs Enhanced Curriculum Support Programs Diversity Responsible Educational Quality Prepared for Productive Life Empowered & Excited Equal Education For All When we succeed in educating each child, the result will be a stronger Gates County and a stronger democracy Better Society Future Opportunities Better Society Digital Learning Infusion of Technology Top Notch Facilities

12. + Spread the Message Whatever you do and whatever you say, think first how it will provide parents the greatest confidence that a Gates County Public Education is providing the individual attention the child needs to be successful and thereby create a successful Gates County.

13. + GO CATS!