ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

July/August 2024

Dear EPS Families,

As we prepare to roll out the red carpet to welcome students back to school, there is so much to celebrate, both in what we’ve been able to accomplish together and in what lies ahead for Erie’s Public Schools.

In May, we broke ground on construction of a new $34 million Edison Elementary School on East Lake Road – the first new school construction in the district in 25 years. The long-overdue project is more than a brick-and-mortar investment in our district, its teachers and staff, and the students and families of Erie’s lower east side. The new construction is a symbol of all the ways in which our district continues to grow stronger – academically, financially and operationally – each year.

There is no greater imperative than providing our students with safe, warm, and welcoming buildings in which to learn and grow, and I am proud to say we are doing just that in building the new Edison Elementary School.

This school year marks our ninth year in close partnership with United Way of Erie County, working together to break down barriers to students’ academic success through the Community School model. Each of our elementary and middle schools is now a community school, helping to directly connect families and students with the tools, resources and services they need to thrive. This year, we’ll begin to implement that model at Erie High School, expanding vital supports to students in grades 9-12 and complementing our ongoing work there to improve operations and better meet students’ social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs. Based on the success we’ve had with the community school model at our elementary and middle school levels, I’m confident that we will see meaningful progress and, most importantly, that our students and families will feel more connected and supported.

Thank you for your continued trust in Erie’s Public Schools, and for celebrating the hard work our staff and students put in each day to make this district one that I’m exceedingly proud to lead. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 874-6002.

           Sincerely,