Ozark Schools Quote

“A strong school district and community partnership is important for a few reasons. The most commonly promoted connection is the attraction and growth to a community that a great school district brings. As residents look for a place to locate their families, “high quality schools” tops the list of criteria, so our community grows. As businesses look for places to build their marketplace, a growing community is attractive because the increasing number of consumers — and workers — brings a better return on their investment. As businesses invest in the schools and provide opportunities for students, real-world applications of the academics studied over the years are realized, and the value of students’ education is solidified by experience and further skill development.

“An often-overlooked, yet vitally important, aspect of the partnership between a community and a school district is the district’s responsiveness to and reflection of the community’s values and direction. As the district listens and then addresses and incorporates community priorities, rejecting outside interests that do not fit the community, there is increased enrollment as parents trust their kids’ minds and development to the district and increased support as patrons commit time and resources for needed positions and expansion as well. As the district refines its practices and processes, then the product it offers — the educating of young minds — improves. The community must remain engaged and willing to share, and the district must remain responsive and willing to adapt. This partnership, more than any other, is the key ingredient for developing and maintaining the highest quality school district which is so attractive to families and businesses and so beneficial for creating a healthy, growing community.”