"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

-       Elizabeth Lawrence

At this time of year, as I work in my office I am provided with a splendid display of dazzling colors. While they were very vibrant this year, the peak colors of fall have already begun to fade around the mountains surrounding our district. Now I notice the smell of fall as the leaves, layered on the ground, release the inimitable scent that is another indicator of autumn. (Is it obvious that I appreciate everything about this season? The only improvements I can envision are a) a longer season, and b) black and gold leaves raining from the trees. Is this going too far…?

It’s hard to believe that two years ago we were discussing the curriculum and other changes for our new Middle School.  As I make my weekly walks through each building, sometimes sitting in for a lesson, talking to staff, greeting parent volunteers or simply “getting out,” I marvel at the work that has been done by so many, and in a short time, for the benefit of our children and their families. The daily work of our teachers and support staff offer regular reminders of the skill and dedication needed to provide a quality education for our students.  It really is a team effort on the part of so many.

I recently attended a PSBA/PASA statewide conference and heard many other district superintendents’ lament about their districts’ financial instability.  We all know that funding remains a top priority for school districts.  Here at CCSD, we are fortunate to have Board members who have had the foresight and vision to reduce and make cuts, so far without sacrificing educational programs.  Yes, money is tight in our district, but the Board is resolute in its commitment to keep our district fiscally solvent.  I appreciate and commend this fine group of unpaid directors as we navigate these turbulent times. 

Sadly, despite evidence that public education is increasingly effective in meeting the academic and social challenges of our day (at CCSD, for example, PSSA scores remain high, meeting or exceeding Pennsylvania’s AYP rate, our graduation rate is over 95%, and our attendance rate over 96%), this institution is being assaulted on every front.  I sometimes believe that the primary “crisis” in American public education stems from unwarranted criticism by politicians who know and care little about the people and processes they are attacking.  While such groups are far removed from the educational process, there is evidence that some stand to gain financially or politically if the alternatives to public education (charter, private or cyber schools) gain strength. The learning process is long-term and requires consistency of purpose. Now, though, the whim of politicians who come and go determines whether or not this consistency will be maintained. As a result,   education has become a year round “sport” whose rules change after every election.

But everything will be fine: I love sports! I’m not afraid of new rules! With the support of our wonderful staff, families and community, I’m confident that CCSD will continue its winning ways.

On the subject of winning, congratulations go to Max Kirsch for winning the AA District golf title and to the CCSD boys’ golf team for winning the team championship.  Good luck at states!  Congratulations are also in order for Hannah Swope on winning the AA District 6 girls’ single tennis title.  Hannah is a multi-talented 9^th grader, as she is also an excellent cross-country runner for CCSD.  Never resting, our winter sports teams are gearing up for their season just as the fall competitions begin to wind down.

Until next month’s blog, enjoy each day, each season and each Steelers game (if I hadn’t included a plug for football, you might think someone else had written this).

Dr. D