In Mesa, Arizona, Irving Elementary School marked its 100th day of school with enthusiasm and creativity. Despite the gloomy weather outside, the classrooms buzzed with energy as elementary-aged kids donned 100-year-old costumes, engaging in various activities centered around the number 100. This milestone signifies that over half the school year has passed, prompting reflections on the achievements of Mesa Public Schools.

Academic Achievements and Goals

Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis proudly highlighted the district’s progress, with 27 ‘A’ rated schools and 25 ‘B’ rated schools out of the total 81 in the district. Twelve schools elevated their ratings to ‘A’ this year. While students are currently testing around the state average, Fourlis expressed the ongoing commitment to improvement. Goals for the school year include a 2% increase in graduation rates, aiming for an 83% graduation rate.

“We also wanted to make sure that our kids who are proficient are also growing to becoming highly proficient, enriching their learning and moving them at a quicker pace,” she emphasized.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

In a notable shift from previous years, Mesa Public Schools have increasingly incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into their educational strategies. Dr. Fourlis acknowledged the positive impact of AI on productivity and efficiency, allowing educators more time for creativity and personalized attention to students. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining guardrails to ensure responsible and appropriate use of AI in the learning environment.

Enrollment Challenges and Budgeting

The 100th day of school is crucial for public school districts as it involves a head count, enrollment assessment, and determination of funding based on the number of students. Mesa Public Schools, however, has been facing declining enrollment over the past few years, currently accommodating more than 55,200 students for K-12 compared to about 61,500 in 2019.

Dr. Fourlis attributed this decline to several factors, including Mesa’s ‘landlocked’ status, an aging population, and changing family dynamics. The district anticipates further enrollment decline next year and is proactively budgeting for this trend.

Future Planning Amid Declining Enrollment

Addressing the concern of declining enrollment, Dr. Fourlis expressed the need for strategic planning. She mentioned upcoming discussions with the governing board to explore strategies for right-sizing facilities while prioritizing alternatives to school closures. The challenge involves aligning square footage with student numbers, and the district aims to approach this with careful consideration.

Gratitude and Funding Challenges

Expressing gratitude to the community for approving the budget override, Dr. Fourlis acknowledged that a slight majority voted against the bond in November. This setback led to a pause on certain projects, including the modernization and upgrade of older schools. The district plans to revisit the bond proposal, with discussions on timing aligning with the master facility plan and board decisions.

Looking Ahead: ‘Graduation Plus’ Model

Despite the challenges, Mesa Public Schools remains forward-focused. Dr. Fourlis revealed plans to implement a ‘Graduation Plus’ model, intending to equip students with knowledge and experiences beyond a diploma. This initiative aims to offer more students college credits or work-based learning experiences, enhancing their readiness for the future.

In conclusion, Mesa Public Schools grapples with enrollment challenges but remains committed to academic excellence and innovative approaches to education. The district navigates budgetary constraints with community support, actively planning for the future while prioritizing the well-being and educational experience of its students.