Stronger Together

Dear SoWashCo Families,

We are excited to begin a new school year in South Washington County Schools. I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family and express my gratitude for your support of our public schools. We hope summer has provided you with time to soak up some sun, to enjoy the water and parks, to travel through the construction and most importantly to spend time with friends and family. 

Each school year brings a fresh sense of hope, opportunity and a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and the vision for our work moving forward. One thing I feel confident about is that: we are stronger together. That is a lesson that I have taken from my many years of teaching, leading and coaching young athletes. Stronger Together will serve as our district theme for the school year.

Our district thrives because of the amazing students we have, the incredible staff who show up each day to make a difference and the deep partnerships between our families and communities. We see “stronger together” every day in our classrooms as our students problem solve, interact with one another and learn together. 

As we look ahead, it means being transparent about the challenges we will be facing together. Like many public school districts across the state, we are facing financial challenges where our expenditures are outpacing the revenue we receive. It is important to know that enrollment is the key revenue driver to operations. We invest 78% of our resources in the people who are in our schools and working throughout the district. The work is difficult when it means we have to give some of that up. People and programs that exist in our district are in place because they are valued.  

This fall we will enter into Planning for the Next Five Years and map out what the district will look like and what priorities will move us into the future. Our collective purpose must remain unchanged: keeping students as our focus.

While the fiscal landscape may present challenges, it also shows why our collective strength matters so much. When we stand together, listen to one another, and keep our students at the center of every conversation, we can navigate difficult times without losing sight of our mission. We will remain committed to fostering safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces where every student feels seen, valued and empowered to succeed. This commitment leads to Educating all students for Success!

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership and support of our students,  schools and programs. As your superintendent, I remain committed to celebrating the great things happening in the district, while being honest and open about the challenges we are faced with. 

Warmly,

Julie Nielsen
Superintendent