Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Durango 9-R School District. It is with pride I accept the challenge as interim superintendent to continue the collaborative atmosphere that has been established between the Board of Education, parents, students, staff, community, and the building and district administrations to assure an unobstructed focus on the needs and strengths of all students.

The first priority of any school district is student achievement. Obviously, many support systems must be in place and operate efficiently to guarantee the quality of the teaching/learning environment in each classroom. When any support system is not effective, it is possible to lose sight of why educators come together for the benefit of the community’s children. The Strategic Plan is a model of how the community and school district work together to follow a well-defined road map to address and support the vital components of a successful school system. Such a process keeps the academic growth of all students as the end result.

At the beginning of each school year, there is a renewed excitement for the teaching and learning process. Friendships are rekindled, expectations are high, and enthusiasm is at its zenith. The energy present at the first staff meeting, first practice, and the first day of school is enticing, positive, and contagious. I challenge myself first and then each school district employee, student, parent, and the community to treat each upcoming school day as the next best chance to bring our best performance.

Bill Esterbrook
Interim Superintendent of Schools