EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – February 2008
Springton Lake Middle School Construction Project—Let The Work Begin!
On Tuesday evening, March 11, as part of the PTG meeting, Bonnett Associates will do
the first official presentation on the plans for the Springton Lake renovations. This, of
course, includes a natatorium with seating for visitors. The PTG meeting begins at 7:00
p.m. so community members who wish to hear only this presentation should arrive around
7:30 p.m. at Springton Lake. I am working with Bonnett to select a daytime meeting, for
those who prefer that arrangement. We will publish both of these meeting times broadly
through local news media and Channel 11. We look forward to seeing our community get
involved in this exciting project!
The Education Resource Center Update
Well, it seems that I have been giving new dates for the start of this construction far too
many times. I am happy to report this evening that our newest, truest date for start of our
“build out” is March 1. The project will require six weeks for completion. All furniture and
equipment have been ordered so we do see the puzzle pieces starting to come together.
Meanwhile, our students in this program have been working successfully at the Education
Center and are preparing for PSSA testing, along with their other project-based work.
Needless to say, we cannot wait to be able to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at our ERC
in the Mall.
Communication Improvements
We are always looking for ways to improve how we share the good news about RTM with
our constituents. We trust that by now you have received in the mail our inaugural edition
of RTM Connections. We have had much positive feedback about this publication and
we welcome any insights you wish to share via email to our website or phone calls to our
hotline 610-627-NEWS. We noticed there was a “Sound off” in the local paper
complaining about why we are spending so much money on this color publication, etc.
Just to provide an accurate answer for all: The publication costs a dime per household
and this publication is reaching many more homes than any publication our district has
ever done, other than tax bills. I certainly believe that a dime is a small price to pay to
help keep all citizens informed. There will be two more editions this year with the next
one including information on the proposed budget for 2008-2009. If you have not
received a copy and live in RTM, please call us at the hotline to leave your name and
address or call 610-627-6002. We will make certain you are on our mailing list.
Coffee with Dr. Kerr
I am going to hold three “Coffees with Dr. Kerr” over the next few months to hold informal
conversations with any parents who wish to come. The first will be held on Thursday,
March 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Education Center at 308 North Olive Street in Media. This
first Coffee (tea and water drinkers welcome also!) will focus on middle school issues and
topics. The remaining two meetings will be divided between elementary and high school
topics. Parents may come to any or all meetings. All topics welcome. We will finish our
meetings at 9:30 p.m. so you don’t have to worry that you will be out all night! I will post
the dates for the other meetings in the next week or so. I look forward to getting to meet
more of you.
Attitude Is Everything
We have a very large crowd here this evening and I would be remiss if I did not
acknowledge you and thank you for coming out. I know how precious family time is so no
matter what brought you here this evening, we thank you for coming.
Over the last few weeks, there have been many emails, with many heartfelt expressions
of opinion. I want to thank you for these also. I respect our students and our parents, all
students and all parents.
Making difficult decisions goes with being a superintendent. The button that I keep on our
conference table that says aloud, “That was easy!” doesn’t get hit too often. However, I
do want to share a quote with you that I once copied, author unknown.
The single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis (in serving
this community) is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my
education, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me
or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude keeps me going or
cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my
attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too
extreme, no challenge too great.
Hear me say that my attitude in serving RTM is better than ever.