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SUPERINTENDENT
FROM THE DESK OF DR. MARK MAUS
I am humbled and honored to continue serving this tremendous district and community that I proudly call home. Smithville School District has long been a leader in education, and it has been inspiring to witness the growth within our community. My family and I are grateful to be part of SSD, and we look forward to building on the successes of the past year.
Since my first day as a math teacher 21 years ago, my career has been dedicated to ensuring that all students reach their goals and dreams. As your Superintendent, I remain committed to this mission, with a focus on ensuring every student not only grows academically but also meets the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate. This year, I am excited to share some of the initiatives we’ve put in place to continue this important work.
Continued Commitment to Collaboration
One of the key changes this year is the introduction of a new school calendar that removes late-start Wednesday and instead provides a workday or professional development day each month for staff to collaborate with their colleagues. This dedicated time will allow our educators to work together, share best practices, and innovate in ways that directly benefit our students. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we are strengthening our ability to deliver the highest quality education to every student.
Increased Staff Compensation
We have also made significant strides in ensuring our staff are recognized for their hard work and dedication. This year, our Board of Education approved an increase in staff pay, reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our educators and support staff are the backbone of this district, and it is crucial that we support them in every way possible as they continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Academic Excellence and High Graduation Rates
I am proud to report that our district has continued to excel academically, with our students achieving high levels of success in state assessments. Our graduation rate remains impressive, and we are seeing more students than ever graduate with Market Value Assets (MVAs). These include industry-recognized certifications, college credits, and entrepreneurial experiences that give our graduates a competitive edge as they move on to college, careers, or other future endeavors. Ensuring that our students leave high school with both a diploma and valuable skills is a priority for our district.
Community Support
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our community for your continued support. Thanks to the passage of the last bond issue, we have been able to make significant improvements across our district. These include:
The construction of a new transportation center on campus.
Replacing the HVAC systems at Horizon Elementary School and Smithville Middle School.
Make safety and security enhancements on every building district-wide.
Installing turf on the athletic field and outdoor classroom space at Smithville Middle School.
Adding sidewalks on the main campus to allow for safer commuting between buildings.
Expanding the seating in the High School gymnasium. and creating a multipurpose space where the stage previously was.
These enhancements are not just investments in our facilities; they are investments in the future of our students and community. Your support has made these projects possible, and they will positively impact the educational experience for years to come.
As we move into this school year, my commitment to you remains the same: to listen, engage with our community, and create opportunities for all of us to work together to make Smithville School District a premiere district of choice.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I am excited to see what we will accomplish together this year.
It’s a great day to be a Warrior,
Mark Maus
