Vision for our School District

One of my tasks as superintendent is to set a course of direction for where we are going as a school district.
With the intention of doing what is best for all students, we strive to provide opportunities that both challenge and support student interests and needs, delivering a meaningful education.  We accomplish this with a supportive community, a dedicated support staff, and effective teachers and administrators---all working to make South Bend a Great Place for Kids.

The following is a vision for our school district, and points I believe will guide our path forward.  I shared this with staff at the beginning of the school year, and want to now share with our community.  I am hoping this will help give our community an idea of what we strive to stand for in the South Bend School District:

Vision for South Bend Public Schools

Every student is prepared to realize their full potential in achieving a high quality of life both at school and beyond.

Mission of South Bend Public Schools

To prepare our students to be life/career/college ready by providing supportive, meaningful, and challenging opportunities in every aspect of the educational experience.

We will achieve our vision and mission by:

1. Ensuring that every decision is made with an intentional focus on equity and excellence for student learning.
2. Implementing instruction aligned to primary, secondary, and postsecondary readiness.
3. Using collaborative systems throughout all levels of the school organization.
4. Improving our practice by being innovative, intentional in action, and responsive to circumstances and data.
5. Celebrating school, staff, and student success.
6. Recruiting, growing, and supporting impactful teachers and leaders.

Beliefs that inform our Theory of Action:

1. We exist to provide quality education accessible by all students.
2. Effective teachers are the most important school factor for student learning.
3. Principals are the the most important school factor in support of good teaching.
4. Everyone in our organization is a learner.
5. We cannot be effective in isolation.
6. We are only as good as our team.

South Bend Schools … Five years from now

• We are known as the school that supports and helps all kids.
• All students demonstrate proficiency or beyond at the time of graduation.
• Our culture is defined by teamwork, cooperation, and trust.
• We are known as a school system of learners: students, teachers, and staff alike.
• We are known as one of the best places to work in the local area.
• We are known as a school system striving to, “go the extra mile”.

Having outlined the above vision and mission for South Bend School District, it is important for all of us to remember there is always room to improve and grow.  We need to innovate, we need to be willing to work hard and try new things, and we need to accept the fact we will sometimes fall short.  With the best interests of kids at the forefront of our intentions, we will continue to serve our students well and provide our very best to the community.

If you have ideas or questions, please contact me at: jtienhaa@southbendschools.org