The way forward

Friends,

It’s been almost two years since I became Superintendent of the Clark County School District, and while it is challenging, it has been one amazing ride. I understand that change can be hard and uncomfortable, but I want to thank every student, teacher, support staff employee, police officer, administrator and member of our community for your support on this long journey.

Last year, we unveiled our Phase I reforms, and a year later, I’m pleased to report that we’ve made some progress. Graduation rates inched up for the first time in recent memory. State test scores for Clark County School District students are upwardly trending in nearly every subject and grade. Credits earned by Clark County School District students are increasing. Remediation courses have disappeared almost altogether from secondary schools in the District. Turnaround schools are turning around. Nearly one third of Clark County schools earned a 5-Star rating. While we cannot yet take a victory lap, we need to celebrate our success and keep an eye toward future progress.

I’m pleased to share A Look Ahead Phase II:  Progress Made and the Next Mile. This year, we’ll focus on what is working and pay special attention to supporting great teaching, promoting collaboration by learning from the best practices of successful schools and teachers, and giving school professionals the freedom they need to decide what’s best for their campuses.

We have a long way to go before every graduating senior is “Ready by Exit” to compete in college or career without remediation. When I first came here, I asked for two things to turn this District around: your time and your support. In return, I’m promising my time and my support. This won’t be turned around overnight, but I remain committed to seeing these bold reforms through to the end. We owe it to this community and, more importantly, we owe it to our children. Amazing things are happening in the Clark County School District and I'm pleased that you remain the key partner in this work.

Welcome to Phase II.

Best,
Dwight D. Jones