To be honest, I’m not very good about bragging on things. However, it’s time that I make everyone aware of the great things that have been happening at BFDC Schools. When I came here nearly 5 years ago, our school board and I discussed a vision for our school system. Three things were deemed priorities: 1. Updating Curriculum 2. Bringing Technology to Students 3. Upgrading Facilities.
To update curriculum, we began replacing outdated textbooks. For several years, the state had not provided funding or not enough funding to replace textbooks as adoptions occurred each year. All textbooks are now up to date.
We also purchased new software to increase student learning in reading and math as well as provide for learning loss. Super Kids, Shurley English, A-Plus and Edgenuity are just a few of the programs across our elementary and secondary campuses.
In order to bring technology to our students, we began by instructing our teachers in the use of Google Classroom which allows teachers to create and manage classes, assignments, and grades online. We then had to build our Wi-Fi infrastructure by adding access points to every classroom. Finally, we purchased iPads for grades PK-2 and chromebooks for grades 3-12. Today, every student has access to a computer device in all classrooms.
Regarding the upgrading of facilities, we started by installing new LED lighting everywhere on our campus. Classrooms, hallways, offices, gyms and outdoor lighting were all replaced. We also updated restrooms with new hands-free faucets and towel dispensers. Some bathrooms had new stall walls and doors mounted as well.
The Lemke Gym roof was leaking badly so we were able to replace that roof with school funds. Insurance then paid for replacement of our metal roofs on both the elementary and secondary school buildings. It has been a long journey but the roofs should be completed by April 1st. We have also provided every classroom and hallway with new paint on the walls for an updated look.
I’m very excited to announce that through the use of a federal grant, every classroom will soon have a new HVAC unit for heating and air conditioning. Thankfully, the window air conditioning units will be gone! This will provide for improved air quality as well as reduce the noise level in the classrooms.
Additionally, our classrooms have been installed with new speaker/ sound systems. Each teacher has a microphone on a lanyard which is connected to a speaker in the room. This allows every student to hear what the teacher is saying regardless of where they are in the room. Instruction is greatly improved with these devices.
Last summer, our staff began installing new drop ceilings in our classrooms. The elementary has already been completed. We are planning to have the high school and junior ceilings replaced the next summer.
As a result of these improvements, we can proudly say that every single child has benefitted from these enhancements. Whether it’s a new roof over their heads, sound systems for hearing, HVAC for heat and air, better lighting to see, updated learning or access to new computers, we are working hard to put our students first. Next month, I will share with you our plans to make further improvements, with your help, through our April bond election. Thanks for listening.
Respectfully,
Larry R. Johnson, Superintendent