Progress on a vision of future-ready learners

In 2015, I was hired as superintendent by the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) Board of Education. The charge was clear: continue with the excellent work and innovation that in many ways was already underway, and work to close the expectation and opportunity gaps that exist in the system, especially as it relates to students in traditionally underserved groups.

I was honored to be hired and to accept that charge.

Early on, our leadership team - with a variety of stakeholders - designed a new vision, mission, and six guiding belief statements which most prominently reflect values of equity and accessibility, innovation, student ownership of learning, and empowered and trusted leadership.

We also designed and invested in a bold five-year strategic plan that focuses on improved student learning; empowering, supporting, and diversifying our workforce; reclaiming our story; strengthening intercultural mind-set; and re-imagining and reinvesting in our facilities.

I'm proud of our leadership team and staff who roll up their sleeves, work long hours, and support our students with passion and compassion to move the needle as we work to deliver on our vision of Every Learner: Future Ready. And I'm heartened by the measurable progress we've made. For instance:

' Elementary reading scores have increased across the district for the second year in a row.

' The state report card recently indicated 19 of our schools are at least one level higher now than the previous school year.

' We've launched a digital literacy and access plan that will put a computer in the hands of every high school student next year, and every middle school student the following year.

' We are enhancing strategic partnerships with community service providers to embed services that support the mental health of all students across the district.

' Our innovative programming options continue to increase.

' We've developed a plan with significant and intentional steps to diversify our staff through a number of strategies.

' We are implementing a school-based model, High-Reliability Schools (HRS), that is designed to empower staff, students, and families in local improvement efforts. Nine of our schools received word this spring that they earned Level One certification.

' We are in the process of building the first new school in CRCSD in almost two decades.

Many rich traditions continue as they relate to academic programs, our award-winning and experienced faculty and staff, and diversity in enrichment and extracurricular activities. Yet there is more to do to support our workforce and improve the academic experiences for all our students. It is clear we can't achieve this alone, nor do we desire to do so. Continuous improvement will be most likely realized through the community's engagement with our schools and support of the incoming leader and our district.

When I began with CRCSD four years ago, I set out to learn more about our community by getting to know our people. I visited staff members and students in dozens of classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, and other academic spaces. And I got to know so many of the people who contribute to the vibrancy of our city through our museums and cultural centers, parks and nature centers, our public libraries, our government offices, and many of our nonprofits and businesses.

What I observed was a dedicated, hardworking group of staff members who are committed to meeting the learning needs of all our students, and a community that deeply cares about the people and city of Cedar Rapids.

This is my hometown. And supporting its young people, as Superintendent of CRCSD, has been a great honor.

Our vision of Every Learner: Future Ready is powerful. The equity and access work is compelling and necessary. The team of faculty and staff throughout our schools and district offices are focused, highly skilled, profoundly compassionate, hardworking, and committed to supporting our students. The work continues!

It has been a privilege to serve our students together. Thank you and best wishes to my hometown!

' Brad Buck is superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District. On July 1, he becomes superintendent of the Waukee Community School District.