Friday Board Bulletin

Posted Date: 03/03/2023

It has been a very busy week! We were blessed to host 4 outstanding finalist candidates to succeed Mr. Schaltter as the next elementary principal here at Hudson. I felt the process was thorough and rigorous. A huge thank you to the 15 employees and PTO group who agreed to stay late the last 4 evenings and vet the candidates. I also need to tip my hat to my team of administrators who also had to give up 4 late nights, and finally to Laura who provided a light meal each of the evenings. In the final analysis we got it right. This afternoon I offered the contract to Crystal Betts and she accepted. The news has been shared with our employees and the parents who participated in the interview. I have no doubt the news will travel very fast around the district, but stated to everyone there will be no official statement from the district until after our board meeting on March 22nd where you will give final approval. Here is the note I sent out to faculty and the PTO group this afternoon: 

This afternoon, Mrs. Crystal Betts accepted my offer to be the next principal at Hudson Elementary. Mrs. Betts holds a Masters degree in literacy education from the University of Northern Iowa and endorsements in both literacy and mathematics. She will complete her ASC in the principalship this spring. In a field that yielded more than thirty candidates, Crystal separated herself from the final four with a very strong background in instruction. Currently serving as an instructional coach for the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District, she has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) that includes Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), and has district wide experience leading professional development. In Hudson, where we place such heavy emphasis on literacy and mathematics, Mrs. Betts’ knowledge of the Science of Reading was evident, and her background in mathematics instruction is an added advantage. When considering these experiences and strengths, they dovetail perfectly into district initiatives currently in place. An official announcement to our community will follow her appointment by the Board and the transitionary period will begin following spring break.  While it was evident that members of the interview teams saw a wide array of strengths among the final slate of candidates, we appreciate the time and effort each of you put into the process that enabled us to make the final selection.

Frankly that has largely consumed my work this week, although Chad and I were able to find time to put the finishing touches on the school budget. All our data is now in and the public notice will be in the Hudson Herald next week setting up our hearing and adoption for March 22. In February I suggested an overall rate of 15.74726 and last week indicated it was more likely to be in the vicinity of 15.88269. After completing all the rate adjustments and assessment calculations, the actual publication will be 15.77431. It is good to know this late change in state law didn't have as dramatic of an impact on our rate as originally anticipated. 

 

In legislative news, today marks the first funnel deadline. What this means is that in order for any bill to remain alive after today, it must have passed through a full committee. It is a way to begin focusing the work of the legislature. In most cases, this means new pieces of legislation are less likely to be introduced at this point. The number of education related bills are voluminous and to explain them in detail here would be a lot of reading that you are probably not interested in! Instead, I would encourage you to check out this brief video from IASB that will summarize some action items moving forward. 

Dr. Tony Voss
Superintendent