THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Another year has passed, 2013 has gone into the history books and it is hard to believe that 2014 has arrived.  Let's take a moment to reflect on the past while also looking boldly ahead to the future with hope and optimism.  Although nine years have passed since the first time I swore to justly, impartially and faithfully perform the duties as a community servant, my reverence for that oath is no less today than it was that first day; those words still humble and inspire me. I pledge to you that I will continue to serve with integrity and courage to do what is right.

Today is a day of promise.  Our challenge is to seize that promise by rededicating ourselves to the common good and to a shared vision for our community's future.  That future must be one in which District One is educationally sound and vibrant.

That is my vision. Some may say this vision is too ambitious. I disagree. It was Robert Kennedy who said, "The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather the future will belong to those who can blend passion, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals of American society."

I ask you to blend passion, reason and courage to better District One.  I ask you to join me in committing ourselves fully to the common good and our shared vision, and to believe in a brighter future for our children and our schools.

Believe in District One.  Believe in the vitality of our neighborhoods, our businesses, our schools and houses of worship.  Believe in the strength of our families, our diversity, our young people and our senior citizens.  Believe in our teachers and administrators. Believe in our bus drivers and all our school staff.  Believe that when District One works together, we can overcome the challenges we face.  Join me in believing that our District's future is bright and that the best is yet to come.