My few days in Nashville reinforced within me my desire to serve my community school district. I listened, I learned, I reflected on my work, where our district is and on how our district can continue to maximize our opportunities.

As I contemplate returning home, I look forward to engaging in these activities:

• Continue to build engaging, effective classrooms
• Thank teachers for what they do each day
• Thank bus drivers for their amazing commitment to our students
• Thank school administrators for their daily efforts
• Thank our food service staff for doing so much with limited budgets
• Thank our coaches for mentoring our students
• Listen to our students
• Find ways to encourage the development of our students’ social-emotional skills
• Support our students passions and interests
• Ensure our students have the opportunity to move forward when ready
• Look at each student as unique and full of potential
• Make sure students graduate ready for their next step
• Honor public schools every single day

I also recognize that my work as a superintendent requires me to be mindful of this as well:

• Keep students safe
• Keep students safe
• Keep students safe
• Keep students safe
• Keep staff safe
• Keep staff safe
• Keep staff safe
• Keep staff safe

Time away is helpful. But it’s time to return home. There is great work to be done.