Superintendent's first-year report card

Posted on Sep 20, 2016
 
Superintendent and Downtown Rotarian Dr. Brian Maher discussed his first-year report card on the performance and shared vision for the future of the Sioux Falls School District when he addressed the Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls on Monday, Sept. 19.  Maher, who recently began his second school year as superintendent, oversees South Dakota’s largest district, with over 24,000 students in K-12.  “The Sioux Falls School District’s commitment is to grow college- and career-ready graduates with the highest critical thinking skills, experience in collaborative working groups, and belief that they can successfully reach both traditional and entrepreneurial aspirations right here in this great city we all call home.”
 
Monday, 9-26-16, meeting at The Bakery, 910 W. Main.  Lunch is on the club!  Come early for a parking space!
Panel Discussion:  Matthew Paulson, Market Beat; Aaron Hultgren, Legacy; Addie Graham-Kramer, The Event Company--Rise of Young Entrepreneurs
 
Program Highlights:
  • Brian Maher started as Superintendent on July 1, 2015.  He came from Nebraska.
  • The SFSD employs 3,300 people and is the 4th largest employer in the city.
  • Enrollment this year, K-12, is 24,800 students.  3,500 of those students are in Special Services
  • His strategic plan for the next 5 years includes:  Student Outcomes (better reading and math skills which leads to a better graduation rate--currently 81%); Culture & Climate (safety in the school); Staffing and Diversity; and Community Engagement.
  • Dr. Maher believes that the SFSD is the best in the state and is a reflection the community.
September 19, 2016 meeting attendance:
  • Meeting attendance was 94 out of 309 or 30%
  • 60 out of 94 in attendance were Paul Harris Fellows or 64%
  • Also at the meeting were:  1 news media person; 12 Guests; 2 Junior Rotarians; and 3 Visiting Rotarians