Dear Community Members, Parents, and Staff:

It all started with "good luck"--my formal introduction to the Winnetka community as the new superintendent, that is. My very first Wire article, in September 2011, was a reflection on the innumerable well-wishes that came in those first few weeks from folks in the form of the parting remark, "good luck."

As a reminder, in that piece, I personified these "good luck" offerings into three types. The first was the cautious Anne Boleyn, ever mindful of life and limb. The second was the reckless and impulsive Evel Knieval, a constant worry to friends and family.  And, finally, I arrived at the more centered and thoughtful Amelia Earhart--aviation pioneer, author, and professor--the obvious choice for inspiration.   The message of the article was that the success of the District was not predicated on my good fortune, or, for that matter, on me, at all. Rather, our destiny was intertwined with the full attention, work, and support of the entire Winnetka community.

As we fast-forward a few years, it turns out that this truism has played out in innumerable ways. The challenges we have encountered over the past several years are marked. There have been draconian obstacles placed in our path almost every step of the way, ranging from economic turmoil, to philosophical and ideological tensions, to severe weather challenges, and plenty more in between.

And yet, none of this has defeated us, nor diminished our ability to continue providing an excellent teaching and learning environment for our students. Throughout my years here, I have been inspired on a daily basis by those dedicated professionals who continued to put children first, to learn and grow professionally, and to manage considerable change in a thoughtful and productive manner.

Now, as I stand at the crossroads of past and present, I find myself somewhat conflicted. Certainly I am optimistic and excited about the adventure that lies ahead for me in New York. In equal part, though, I am heavy-hearted about saying farewell--at which, admittedly, I am not very good. And so, in keeping with my original introduction, I lean upon much wiser muses for continued guidance.

There is, of course, the melodramatic approach; after all, who doesn't love a good telenovella? For this, I reach back to my days as an English Literature major and my fascination with Charlotte Brontë's penchant for the theatrical:

"Then you and I should bid good-bye for a little while?"

"I suppose so, sir."

"And how do people perform that ceremony of parting, Jane? Teach me; I'm not quite up to it."

"They say, Farewell, or any other form they prefer."

"Then say it."

"Farewell, Mr. Rochester...." (Jane Eyre)

For those of you who may prefer a more pragmatic conclusion, the late Gilda Radner can always be counted on for an earnest, candid and humbling perspective:

"I wanted a perfect ending, now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next."

With many issues over the past several years, I have been something of a broker, trying to take disparate positions and bring them closer together in ways that are useful and workable. And so, I will leave this as my trademark in this last article too. Between extremes, there is always a compromise, and so I submit a third alternative, borrowing the words of Jarod Kintz:

"When I leave, I won't tell you goodbye--but only because I'm taking you with me."

One key takeaway from my work with the School Board over the years is the value of providing options. Thus, I leave you all with three farewell choices: the melodramatic, the pragmatic, and the understated. Feel free to embrace the one that appeals most to your personal taste.

Regardless of the version that best speaks to you, know that it has been my distinct honor to work on behalf of the entire Winnetka community, and alongside so many wonderful staff members, parents, community members, and other volunteers. You make District 36 the very special place that it is, and I thank you all for this time and tremendous experience.

My parting wish for each of you is that you enjoy a healthy and relaxing summer, and beyond that, well, only the very best of possible futures.

In service,

Dr. Thomas Hagerman 

Superintendent

The final Board meeting of the 2013-2014 school year will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at the Greeley School Resource Center. The Work Session will begin at 5:45 p.m. At this meeting, Administrators will provide the final update for the 2013-2014 School Improvement Plans. The Regular Meeting will begin at 7:15 P.M., and will include presentations on the following agenda items:

• An updated report of demographic and enrollment projections, based on analysis conducted by Mr. Phil Earvolino, which reflects greater stability in enrollment over the next two years.
• A vote to adopt the FY2015 tentative budget.
• A summary report from the 2014 Annual Satisfaction Survey.
• A proposal to participate in a Science Inquiry Project

The last day of school in The Winnetka Public Schools for the 2013-2014 school year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2014. This includes four (4) makeup days to replace the four days in January when school was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The last day of school will be an early-release day, following the Monday early-release schedule. It will not be a half-day. The early-release schedule on June 11, 2014, will be as follows:

• Crow Island School - 2:45 P.M.
• Greeley School - 2:45 P.M.
• Hubbard Woods School - 2:45 P.M.
• The Skokie School - 2:30 P.M.
• Carleton Washburne School - 2:30 P.M.

The first day of school in for 2014-2015 will be Monday, August 25, 2014, for grades 1-8. The first day of school is also an early-release day.

We hope that you all enjoy a safe, relaxing, and exciting summer vacation!