The past three years have exemplified change and accomplishment. From establishing high school graduation as a priority through “Graduation Matters Missoula” to raising test scores in our schools, Missoula County Public Schools have been on the march to be the best. This year will be no exception. We will continue to pursue excellence in our schools.

Our educational priority and mission must continue to be that all students succeed academically and graduate regardless of their circumstances and abilities. We must continue to support this philosophy with a no excuse or alibi mentality. There is no losing on this issue. Each and every student is too important. Together, with continued community support and dedication to our children, we will continue to increase the graduation rate, reduce the dropout rate, and increase academic rigor and overall student success.

An example of working productively together is the reduction in the number of students who dropped out of school in the 2009-2010 school year versus the number who dropped out in 2008-2009. We experienced a 39.9 percent reduction. This is a great accomplishment and together we will continue this trend.

In addition to ensuring graduation for all, we are also increasing academic standards and rigor. The MCPS will lead the state of Montana in the number of credits required for high school graduation (24 credits) beginning with the class of 2014. We are also pursuing the International Baccalaureate Program (IB), an internationally recognized academic program which personifies educational attainment, and allows students who are successful in meeting all IB program requirements sophomore standing upon admission at most universities. This program will be initiated at Hellgate High School within two years and will be available to all MCPS students.

We are also in the process of training additional teachers in relation to advanced placement programs and will be implementing additional advanced placement classes in an equitable fashion in all high schools with the goal being that more students will enroll and challenge themselves in upper division courses.

By continuing to work together and supporting each other we can continue to sustain our current success. Together we can truly move Missoula County Public Schools to a new American standard of public education. We must face the challenges before us with courage, passion and with the determination to do what is best for our children, regardless of the effort required. Together we can make this a reality and in the process provide the foundation for children’s hopes and dreams to flourish.

Superintendent, Missoula County Public Schools