Superintendent’s column: September Success

By David Bell River Falls School District
Posted 9/18/24

I am happy to report that the first weeks of school have been filled with excitement. The beginning of a school year is a time for students and teachers to establish a focused learning culture, …

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Superintendent’s column: September Success

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I am happy to report that the first weeks of school have been filled with excitement. The beginning of a school year is a time for students and teachers to establish a focused learning culture, attempt new activities, and recommit to long-term goals.

It’s important to acknowledge the effort put forth by our teachers and support staff over the summer, which contributes to the success of the first weeks of school. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators organized the curriculum, crafted engaging lessons, planned training sessions, and worked to deepen their understanding of students. Human resources and business services coordinated new employee onboarding and finalized budget allocations. Technology and school office staff managed parent communications and ensured that systems were fully prepared for both students and parents. The maintenance and facilities teams completed crucial updates and ensured that our buildings were in excellent condition for the start of the school year. Bus drivers and the transportation department prepared our fleet for regular routes and for the many co-curricular opportunities that would not be possible without transportation. We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated and talented professionals.

Our district is committed to finding ways to inspire and challenge all students in a safe environment. Inspiration can take many forms and as we settle into the 2024-25 school year, our goal is to ensure that all students have the chance to explore new interests, cultivate a passion for learning, and enhance their commitment to personal growth. These enriching opportunities are made possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of our staff and the support of the River Falls community.

My primary responsibility is to lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of outstanding educational programs, services, and opportunities for our students, staff, and residents. Based on valuable feedback from parents, guardians, students, and staff, as well as our analysis of academic and engagement data, we are focusing our efforts on enhancing academic growth for all students, boosting student engagement, and improving employee satisfaction. While these objectives are important, the true measure of our success will be evident in the actions we take. We are committed to sharing our progress regularly with the School Board and the broader community.

One benefit of serving as the Superintendent is that I have the opportunity to be in and around our schools every day. Witnessing our students' academic, social, emotional, and physical development firsthand is energizing. I am continually impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication, and I am excited about the possibilities this year holds for each of them.

David Bell, River Falls School District, new school year, superintendent, column