Community
Session 2
SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER: EMPOWERING SUCCESS FOR GDRH
On May 28, 2025, Superintendent Anna Young facilitated the second Shaping the Future Together; Empowering Success for GDRH session, which focused on envisioning the future of student programming and operational planning across the district.
Clarifying Essential Skills for Graduating 8th Grade Students:
Participants engaged with school videos showcasing project-based learning, personalized learning, and directed learning models. They reflected on the strengths and limitations of each model before reviewing a video from Nicolet High School highlighting its college and career readiness offerings. The Nicolet High School video included intentionally renovated spaces in areas such as technology, automotives, theater, music, art, athletics, and science. The group discussed how key 8th-grade competencies, such as critical thinking, communication, academic skills, self-awareness, and leadership, are developed through current GDRH programs.
Audit and Recommendations for Student Programming (Early Childhood–8th Grade):
Participants identified current programs (e.g., clubs, after-school activities, the academic resource center, and music) that support essential skill development for high school success. Recommendations for strengthening programming by participants included expanding STEM learning, offering world languages in the elementary grades, increasing emphasis on science and social studies at the elementary level, civics classes, financial literacy coursework, home economics, health, integrated SEL, and school-wide enrichment opportunities.
Operational Strengths and Opportunities:
Participants identified our schools’ strengths as its green spaces, proximity to parks, school libraries, Glen Hills’ pool, Glen Hills Genius Lab, Glen Hills commons and stage, Parkway’s natural light, Parkway’s playground, and the enhanced programming opportunities for grades 4–5 due to offerings at Glen Hills.
Identified areas for improvement included:
- Keeping grades 4–5 in an elementary setting
- More natural light at Glen Hills
- Air conditioning at Parkway
- Good Hope is only used for non-school purposes
- Full-day 4K programming
- ADA accessibility
- Classroom layouts at Glen Hills lead to frequent disruption to learning
- Separation of music and allied arts from core academics at Glen Hills
- Ineffective pick-up/drop-off procedures for family engagement
- Lack of breakout or planning spaces for staff and students
- Underutilized classrooms at Glen Hills
- Embedded professional learning for new staff
- Greater student choice in world language, music, and allied arts
- Consistent communication and expectations across grade levels
- A need for more strategic and deliberate use of technology for learning
The session provided valuable input to guide future planning aligned with student needs and district priorities. The next session will be scheduled for late summer/early fall and will include tours of our buildings. The group will participate in an overview of maintenance needs based on building tours and will have the opportunity to provide input on their current state and articulate community expectations for future years.
Session 1
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