I kicked off 2024 with a visit to a school with a special success story. With a new principal and assistant principal in place for a little more than a year, Brier Creek Elementary moved up an entire letter grade and exceeded growth in state test results released last fall. I have been eager to learn more from the school’s leaders about their approach to teaching, learning and culture building that helped to bring about these significant improvements.
During my visit, I toured multiple classes with Principal Eric Taylor and Assistant Principal Brittney Lara and spoke with students and staff. In the front office, throughout the hallways and in every classroom I visited, I spoke with staff who are proud to be a part of their community and who are committed to seeing every student succeed.
This is thanks in part to the work Principal Taylor and Assistant Principal Lara are doing to support their teachers in improving their skills. They have a laser-like focus on data. They also emphasize the importance of progress monitoring, and have robust and regular discussions with teachers and staff about their students’ abilities.
But more importantly, they’ve placed as strong an emphasis on student and community engagement. School must be a place that students, staff and families look forward to returning to each day. These leaders have worked to make sure Brier Creek Elementary School is that place for every member of their school community. Learn more from staff about what makes Brier Creek Elementary special in this video.
Leadership matters. And I am grateful for Principal Taylor, Assistant Principal Lara and the many school leaders across our district work tirelessly to build school cultures in which students and staff alike learn, grow and thrive.
With gratitude,
Dr. Robert P. Taylor
Superintendent
