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Shaping The Future Together: Empowering Success for GDRH

On Saturday February 22 and Wednesday February 6th Interim Superintendent, Anna Young led Shaping Our Future Together: Empowering Success in GDRH community sessions. Over forty community partners (parents, elected officials, educators, community members, and students) came together to reflect on our district’s rich history and begin charting a course for the future. The presentation that was shared is above. Please continue reading for a summary of the work that was done together.

Celebrating Our Legacy

Participants explored the history of our schools in Glendale-River Hills and identified key components of our ongoing legacy, including:

  • Strong Music Programming, Tech Ed, and Arts
  • Robust Club Offerings and Student Leadership Opportunities
  • Athletic Programming
  • PTO Events That Engage Families
  • Community Partnerships, including Scouts
  • Increased Diversity Among Students and Staff

Priorities for Enhancing Learning

As we look ahead, participants outlined priorities to strengthen student learning and well-being. The following priorities were identified:

  • Experiential, Hands-on Learning
  • Mental Health Services
  • Reading and Math Improvement Programs
  • Opportunities for Real-World, Authentic Learning 
  • Opportunities for parents & teacher to work together for student success

Essential Skills for Graduating Students

Community members expressed a strong desire for our 8th-grade students to graduate with the following key skills, framing the underlying community values for our young people: 

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication 
  • Strong Academic Skills in Math & Literacy
  • A Sense of Self and Community
  • Leading with Influence

Enrollment Trends and Class Size Considerations

A review of enrollment trends indicated steady enrollment in the district. Participants discussed the recent decrease in open enrollment and the district’s ability to maintain class size ratios. A key discussion point was the potential move from five to four sections at the middle school level, leading to slightly increased class sizes. While larger class sizes in upper grades are not uncommon, there were questions about whether maintaining smaller class sizes at these levels could positively impact learning and student behavior.

Financial Outlook and Fiscal Responsibility

A presentation on the district’s financial future highlighted:

  • Historic Mill Rate Trends – While the mill rate has dropped in recent years, this does not account for inflationary increases in home values, which impact taxpayers.
  • Upcoming Fiscal Cliff – Projections indicate that in three years, the district will likely face a fiscal cliff due to the state funding model. This may require a referendum to increase the revenue limit to maintain current educational opportunities.
  • Fiscal Stewardship – Participants stressed the importance of transparency and responsible financial management. They recommended making financial information readily accessible on the district’s website and through school communications.

Facility Planning and the Future of Good Hope

Participants engaged in discussions about our three-building configuration and the future of the Good Hope property. Several ideas emerged, including:

  • Selling the property
  • Turning it into a community resource center
  • Increasing rental rates to cover maintenance costs
  • Retaining the land and demolishing the building

There was broad consensus that the design, maintenance, and updates of our facilities should prioritize compliance, inclusivity, safety, and appeal to incoming families.

Moving Forward

These sessions provided valuable insights that will inform our district’s planning and decision-making. We remain committed to honoring our legacy while strategically preparing for a future that best serves our students, staff, and community.  Future engagement sessions will be held to foster fiscal transparency and garner community input and leadership around: 

  • Clarifying Essential Skills for Graduating Student
  • Audit and Recommendations for Student Programing EC-8th
  • Operational Strengths and Opportunities
  • Facility Tours and Review of Accessibility and Maintenance Needs
  • Facility Strengths and Opportunities