Dear Valued Rowan County Stakeholders,

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Rowan County Schools. It is with great enthusiasm that I join this esteemed district and become part of a community dedicated to providing an exceptional education to all students. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional educators, administrators, staff members, parents, students, and community members to ensure our students' success and build a bright future together.

As your new Superintendent, I bring a steadfast commitment to excellence and a clear vision for our district's future. I would like to take this opportunity to outline my priorities, which will guide our work towards achieving educational excellence and fostering a supportive learning environment for our students:

• Transparency: I strongly believe in open and transparent communication. It is my pledge to provide easy access to relevant information and to communicate important updates, decisions, and changes in a timely manner to all stakeholders. I will utilize various channels, such as newsletters, emails, social media, and public meetings, to reach a wide audience. I encourage two-way communication to foster dialogue, address concerns, and ensure that everyone's voice is heard.

• Educational Excellence: My foremost goal is to promote and maintain high academic standards throughout our district. Together with our teachers, administrators, and stakeholders, I will work to develop and implement effective curriculum and instructional strategies that meet the needs of our diverse learners. I am dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.

• Student Achievement and Success: Enhancing student achievement and promoting their overall success are paramount to our mission. I will implement strategies to improve graduation rates, standardized test scores, and college or career readiness. To achieve this, I am committed to providing students with the necessary resources, support services, and extracurricular opportunities that will enable them to excel academically and personally.

• Equity and Inclusion: Creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students is essential to our district's success. I am deeply committed to ensuring that resources, opportunities, and support are distributed fairly across schools. I will work tirelessly to eliminate achievement gaps and address disparities in academic outcomes. By providing equal access to a quality education for students from all backgrounds, we can nurture a diverse and thriving community.

• Collaboration and Engagement: Strong relationships and effective communication are at the heart of our success. I value the input and expertise of our teachers, staff, parents, and the wider community. Together, we will build a shared vision for our district and work collaboratively to make it a reality. I will actively involve stakeholders in decision-making processes and encourage collaboration and teamwork, as we believe that by working together, we can achieve greatness.

• Fiscal Responsibility: Managing our district's financial resources responsibly is vital to provide the best education within budgetary constraints. I am committed to allocating resources efficiently, prioritizing spending based on educational needs, and seeking additional funding through grants or partnerships. Our goal is to ensure financial stability and never compromise our fiscal integrity.

• Professional Development: Supporting the growth and development of our educators and staff members is crucial to maintaining our district's excellence. I prioritize ongoing professional development opportunities, mentoring programs, and continuous learning initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of our personnel. By investing in our dedicated professionals, we will positively impact student outcomes and provide an exceptional education.

• Safe and Healthy Environment: The safety and well-being of our students and staff are of paramount importance. I will work diligently to create and maintain a secure learning environment by implementing appropriate safety protocols, addressing bullying and harassment, and promoting physical and mental health initiatives. Our goal is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where all members of our community can thrive.

Again, I am honored and excited to serve as your superintendent. I look forward to meeting and learning from you!

Respectfully,

Michael Rowe