Seattle Public Schools new Superintendent Jose Banda, who will visit K-5 STEM at Boren on the first day of school, presented his plan for success in our school district. Here are the details from the SPS:

SPS press release

New Seattle Schools Superintendent to champion ‘equity, access and opportunities’ for all students
Banda calls for ‘going-to-college’ culture, data-informed decisions

Just prior to cutting the ribbon for a renovated elementary school Tuesday (Sept. 4), new Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda announced his own plan for building student success across the school district: fostering a going-to-college culture, analyzing classroom data to close the achievement gap, seeking innovative learning approaches, and creating a compassionate, service-oriented culture.

“In recent years, Seattle Public Schools has implemented many tools aimed at improving students’ academic achievement,” Banda said before participating in the ribbon-cutting for McDonald International Elementary School. “These include linking teacher evaluations to student performance, expanding our students’ access to rigorous coursework including International Baccalaureate and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, and working to build stronger relationships with our families and the greater Seattle community.

“I look forward to using this work as a strong foundation for increasing equity, access and opportunities for every Seattle Public Schools student.”

The new Superintendent Tuesday outlined the following goals for the 2012-13 school year as Seattle Public Schools prepared to open Wednesday with an estimated 49,500 students in 95 schools:

- Making data-informed decisions in the classroom to close the achievement gap. Banda said he is committed to going beyond an examination of overall data to analyze test scores by specific subgroups of students.
- Developing a “going-to-college” culture that encourages all students to strive for their highest academic potential.
- Encouraging principals and teachers to explore creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning in order to ensure that all students find success in the classroom.
- Continuing to develop plans for accommodating increased enrollment with the goal of providing modern and safe facilities that foster a healthy learning environment for students.

While official enrollment figures won’t be released until early October, the District is anticipating increased enrollment again this year. To address rising student numbers, SPS established a new International elementary school – housed temporarily at the former Lincoln High School site in Wallingford last year until renovations at the McDonald Elementary building could be complete – and this year is also opening a new K-5 STEM school at the Boren building in West Seattle.

The Seattle School Board will vote in November on a list of improvements for District facilities to be placed before voters as part of the Building Excellence (BEX) Capital Levy in February 2013. The District also will be asking voters in 2013 for a continuation of the SPS maintenance and operations levy.