Page 7 - Superintendent Report 2021-22

In tandem with taking care of our employees, we also made a targeted effort to establish new
and strengthen current community relationships. Working directly with local municipalities
and community organizations, I have provided a direct line of communication to ensure
that all community stakeholders are seen and heard. Strengthening these relationships
has helped create a tight-knit community focused on continual improvement in serving
our students, parents, and each other. I have enjoyed the time I have spent with outside
organizations, local business owners, and municipal government leaders throughout this
year. I am humbled by the dedication these stakeholders have demonstrated in helping us
support and celebrate our students. It is my commitment to continue to cultivate the many
valued partnerships we have forged throughout Palm Beach County.

Focusing on long-term District-wide growth and development, we began the 2021-2022
school year in discussions about our next five-year Strategic Plan. Throughout the process,
we hosted opportunities for multiple stakeholders to provide input, recommendations, and
to highlight areas of need. Student focus groups and community partners provided insightful
feedback and helped drive future discussions. Through these thought exchange events,
we narrowed our focus to these four themes: Academic excellence and growth; Student-
focused culture; Mental health and wellness; and Committed and impactful employees.
These themes were established based on extensive input across the school and community
level. We understand the power of providing a safe and nurturing environment for our
students as well as our adults. Further, we recognize that our students need to feel safe
and seen in order to find academic success so we are setting high bars to measure our
future accomplishments. We are committed to improve early literacy in pre-kindergarten
through third grade, strengthen the success rates of our students in transition years, and
strive to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging on our campuses. Key goals include
establishing a growth mindset among students and staff as well as increase both student
and caregiver/parent/guardian engagement and satisfaction. Through enhanced customer
service, we further commit to increase career pathway participation, expand access to
rigorous coursework, and strengthen the post-graduate credentials of our students. It is
with these themes in mind that Team Palm Beach celebrates our accomplishments while
keeping focused on improvement. This work is never done, we must always leverage our
people and processes to get better.

As we begin the 2022-2023 school year, we continue to strive for academic excellence
across our campuses and promote a culture that welcomes and affirms all students and
employees. We strive to help each and every student and employee reach their fullest
potential. Building on the strengths of our District’s previous Strategic Plan coupled with
the significant accomplishments of the 2021-2022 school year, we have created a new five-
year Strategic Plan that is truly reflective of our District Mission. As the superintendent, I
take pride in knowing that through Team Palm Beach’s dedication, passion, and pursuit of
excellence, we will continue to educate, affirm, and inspire our students through our equity-
embedded school system.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Burke
Superintendent
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