Good morning: 

This is the first of what will be regular communication with local administrators.  Normally, I'll use these messages to discuss issues and seek your advice about how state policies, programs and services can best help you improve student achievement.  In addition, I will send out, as needed, an "Administrative Update" email message to give you current information from ISBE regarding administrative and operational programs and procedures.

With this first message, however, I just want to tell you that in my first week on the job, I met with numerous partners in Illinois education and my message was simple: nothing is more important to me than serving the interests and needs of the field.  To do this successfully we need to know what's going on in the field and what's on your minds.

My role as state superintendent is to work with you to implement our common agenda - to do what's best for kids.  Over the next several months we plan to celebrate your successes.  At the same time, we will focus on better identifying  and understanding your needs and problems and to implement programs and services that support you, your faculty, staff, students and parents.  Illinois education has enormous potential and my goal is to help you build that potential into a successful future for all our kids.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with you ideas, suggestions and concerns via email at statesup@isbe.net.  I look forward to meeting you personally in the coming weeks.