Accountability, Transparency, & Collaboration
by Superintendent Brad Willson
As Seaman School District continues to work toward its mission of preparing every student for success, one thing becomes clearer every day: the responsibility of educating students cannot rest solely on one group’s shoulders. Whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or in our broader community, we all play a vital role in the growth and success of our students. At USD 345, we are fortunate to have dedicated teachers, hardworking administrators and support staff, involved parents, and talented students. However, for us to truly ensure that every graduate leaves our district future-ready, we must deepen our partnerships and create a collaborative culture of mutual support.
With this in mind, I am excited to announce the launch of a new initiative—one that places the idea of partnership front and center. Our Partnership Plan for student success is rooted in the belief that we can only succeed if we work together, listen to one another, and share responsibility. Over the next several months, I will hold conversations with four critical groups: parents, teachers and staff, administrators, and students. Each of these groups brings unique insights and perspectives to the table, and their collaboration is essential to achieving our ultimate goal of preparing every student for success in school, career, and life.
The focus of these discussions will be simple, yet profound. I will be asking one central question of each group:
What do you need from the other groups to help achieve student success and ensure that our graduates are future-ready?
The feedback we receive will allow us to create a clear and shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities that each group plays, and will help us identify where additional support is needed. This will not only lead to a more efficient system but also foster a sense of accountability and ownership that extends beyond the walls of our schools.
Understanding Each Group's Role
I will be meeting with each focus group individually to discuss their specific needs and expectations. This process is designed to ensure that no perspective is left out and that we all feel a sense of shared responsibility.
Creating Accountability and Transparency
This initiative is not just about gathering feedback—it is about building a structure where everyone is accountable and involved in the process. Once we have gathered input from parents, teachers, administrators, and students, we will work to communicate the results back to all stakeholders. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the expectations are clear across all groups. By sharing these insights, we will be able to establish a kind of informal "approval" process, where each group sees how the others are contributing and where additional efforts are needed.
Our communication back to the community will emphasize transparency. It will be our priority to ensure that everyone understands what we heard from the various groups and what steps we will take moving forward.
A Shared Responsibility for Student Success
The goal of this partnership plan is to create a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities each group holds so that every student in USD 345 is set up for success. Schools cannot do this alone. The responsibility for preparing students to be future-ready does not lie solely on the shoulders of our teachers and administrators. Similarly, parents cannot place all of the burden on schools and expect them to address every challenge their child may face. True success is only possible when we come together, share responsibilities, and work collaboratively to meet the needs of our students.
This partnership will be built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to the future. I believe that by working together, we will ensure that our students not only succeed in the classroom but are also prepared for the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We want to ensure that our graduates leave USD 345 with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
As your superintendent, I am excited to take this journey with you. I am confident that through this collaborative process, we will create a stronger, more supportive, and more effective learning environment for our students. Together, we can achieve great things for our children and our community.