Posted: Aug 21, 2008  05:51

With a mission statement of "Teaching effectively, learning successfully," the Boundary County School District is gearing up for what Superintendent of Schools Dr. Don Bartling calls "the rigors of education and the daily joys of working with students."

"People in Idaho take pride in their schools and local school system," said Bartling. "Our district is doing well. We have outstanding teachers, our principals do a good job, and we are improving in all academic areas."

In May 2007, the district had an enrollment of 1,622 students. It employs 121 certified employees and 103 classified employees. Eleven new teachers, one custodian and two administrative assistants have been hired for the 2008-2009 school year. There were also four transfers within the district.

"The coming year presents continuous challenges including the school budget, school finance, standards, assessment and meeting adequate yearly progress," said Bartling, "However, we are committed to maintaining our focus on student learning, student achievement and student success."

Calling the coming school year "positive and progressive," Bartling anticipates the "fourth successful year of the four-day school week."

He cites the significant changes in each of the schools in Boundary County over the last five years. Due to the 2003 tax levy, a 96,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art-high school with an outstanding auditorium was completed three years ago. The middle school was renovated with improvements to the plumbing and heating systems.

Evergreen Elementary also received significant renovation with the addition of a gymnasium, cafeteria, two classrooms and an office. Valley View, Mount Hall and Naples were also renovated.

"Every school in this district gained benefit from the levy," said Bartling. "The schools are here to provide educational service to our community and our door is always open."

Bartling extended an invitation to the public to visit the district's schools and become more familiar with the educational opportunities available to students.

"Our schools have a mission to educate every child who walks through our doors, and I am proud of the schools in our community," he added.