Priorities
-
Equity vs Equality – And Why it Matters
Sometimes you’ll hear public officials — including school board members — talk about equity. But what they’re really describing is equality. Thanks to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation for helping explain the difference — and why it matters for our region. Because when we invest in equity, we create communities where every one of…
-
My October TCAPS Newsletter
My October newsletter is hot off the presses: – A new chapter for our English Learners – We (finally) have a state education budget – Our district’s Sustainability Committee – and Traverse City Light & Power visits Willow Hill Elementary – Building tomorrow, trades kids, and Northwestern Michigan College – Community members keep showing up…
-
Leveling the Field: How Community Giving Helps Close Opportunity Gaps
In 2023, a few of us came together to launch Roadrunner Nation, a friends group supporting the Traverse Heights PTO. We created it to help level the playing field—so every student at Traverse Heights Elementary School has the opportunity to access things like field trips, recess equipment, after-school cubs, and scholarships for sports and arts.…
-
Funding Uncertainty Threatens Student Success in Traverse City and Beyond
Michigan lawmakers remain deadlocked on the state budget, leaving districts like ours uncertain about funding for teacher salaries, after-school programs, literacy interventions, school meals, and more. This uncertainty hits students hardest—especially those furthest from opportunity. Research shows that targeted investments in students with the greatest needs improve achievement, graduation rates, and school climate. Despite recent…
-
Supporting Traverse City’s English Learners: Local Action, Strong Commitment
As Washington steps back and Michigan rolls out new statewide requirements to ensure English learners receive dedicated instructional time, TCAPS is stepping up our support for students and families. State Superintendent Michael Rice has made clear that while federal protections may feel uncertain, Michigan’s commitment to fairness, access, and inclusion remains strong—and we’re proud to…
-
A new 5-year plan for TCAPS – Excited for what we can accomplish together
Earlier this week, we unanimously approved a new 5-year Strategic Plan for TCAPS. This new plan builds on the work of our previous 3-year plan, carrying forward four focus areas and adding a new one: health, wellbeing, and school connectedness. It also aligns closely with our mission, vision, and values—including our shared commitment to inclusive education, equitable…
-
3rd Grade Reading, 8th Grade Math, 11th Grade College Readiness: A Sampling of Our 2024/25 Student Achievement Outcomes
Our state assessment results for 2024/25 were released to the public last week. Below you’ll find a snapshot of how our students performed in reading, math, and college readiness. I’ve included five years of data for context (as well as outcomes for our economically disadvantaged kids)—and connected these results to the goals in our draft…
-
School Meals for All TCAPS Kids: Funding Still Uncertain
Some Michigan districts* have already ended free school meals for the 2025–26 school year. I’m proud that we will continue to offer them for every student—at least until September 30**. But the clock is ticking. The Legislature still hasn’t passed a state budget. That means funding for universal free meals could disappear. Please: 1) urge…
-
Our Next Five Years: Focus, Equity, and Opportunity for All
We had a great discussion last night on our new 5-year strategic plan. This strong draft builds on our previous 3-year plan (4 of the 5 focus areas carry over from 2022–25) and is well aligned with our mission, vision, and values—including our commitment to inclusive education, equitable access, and success for all. It reflects…
-
Making LEAP Work for All Kids: What Should Expanded After-School and Summer Learning Look Like?
If we’re expanding our PK–12 after-school and summer learning and enrichment opportunities—the why behind the proposed East Middle multi-use fieldhouse—what should that actually look like? Our after-school and summer program, LEAP, has a clear vision: “To provide students with increased opportunities for engagement beyond the school day through educational and recreational activities to improve learning,…
TY FOR TCAPS 