April 11, 2023

Dear Kingdom East Parents, Guardians and Families, 

This past school year Irasburg (school north of us) had to make difficult decisions, part way through the year, regarding a middle school. We want to plan ahead for next year. 

We are facing personnel shortages next year and we also need to thoughtfully plan long term for teaching and facilities needs in our School District. Over the last few weeks we have been reviewing our student numbers and teachers for next year. Then, over 60+ people across our schools attended meetings and brainstormed suggestions. Our next step is to get input on the ideas- and they are, at this point, simply that, ideas. 

At the end of the brainstorm sessions individuals shared that their feelings ranged from a pit in the stomach (this feels horrible) to excitement (finally we are going to address middle school). There is no doubt that this process is hard and involves thinking about change. I am sure a variety of feelings will be shared across the school district. 

Kingdom East School District is in this position because of the times we live in. A pandemic, a declining population, a moment in time where everything is shifting, the population and workforce are changing. Our District is not unique. I believe we are and can be leaders by thinking in the future tense; this is hard work.

The next step in the process is to have all stakeholders provide input on ideas.

To learn more about the challenges we are currently facing, view the Short, long term planning,  teacher shortages memo.

We welcome and appreciate your input on the survey.

This will generate conversion, excitement, emotion, concern, frustration - it will run the gamut.  I invite you to share your ideas, and plan to attend the input sessions. Nothing has been decided, we need the collective input of the community. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Botzojorns

Superintendent of Schools