Superintendent’s Corner: Reflections from my first 100 days

by Dr. Michael Rivard

School district superintendent

As I reflect on my first 100 days as superintendent of Sartell-St. Stephen Schools, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in such a vibrant and engaged community.

My journey began with a commitment to hold 100 meetings focused on listening to and learning about the concerns and desires of the many people who live in and work with our district. From teachers, administrators and unlicensed staff to parents, business owners, students and community leaders, each conversation gave me deeper insights into what Sartell-St. makes up. Stephen is a great place for education.

Celebrate strengths

The theme of my first 100 meetings was our community’s commitment to education. From members of the Sartell Senior Connection sharing their experiences founding this school district in the 1960s to families who have just moved to the area, the overwhelming message is that we have a wealth of strengths to celebrate, including:

• An incredible staff committed to student success
  Teachers, administrators, and unlicensed staff do their best to ensure our students are supported in learning and personal development. Community members highlighted the professionalism and dedication of our staff and acknowledged the tremendous efforts made to create an environment where students thrive both academically and socially.
• The district’s tradition of excellence
  Parents and business leaders are particularly pleased that our district has managed to rank in the top 6 percent in the state in reading and math proficiency. Our approach ensures resources are used effectively to support student success.
• Preparing students for life after graduation
  Our facilities offer students modern learning environments. Students have the opportunity to try a variety of activities and sports. Our career and technical education programs continue to grow, providing hands-on learning opportunities that encourage creativity, problem solving and innovation.

Areas for growth

While we have many strengths to celebrate, feedback has highlighted the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability. The two most frequently expressed concerns were:

• The desire for clearer communication with the need for consistent updates on district initiatives and decisions.
• The air quality at Riverview Intermediate School (the original high school built in 1969).

By encouraging open dialogue and providing regular, straightforward updates, we can build trust in our community and ensure everyone feels informed and engaged in our educational journey.

Go forward

I set a goal of holding 100 meetings in the first 100 days to hear from our neighbors, families and colleagues. Based on these conversations, my goal is to stay connected by being present in our school buildings and activities, participating in local events, celebrating the good work being done, and engaging in meaningful conversations that positively impact our schools and our community have community.

As a school principal, I am committed to strengthening relationships with staff, students and families alike. Together we will give every student at Sartell-St. provide the best educational environment. Stephen Schools.