MMSD community,
It is an absolute honor and privilege for me to be your new superintendent. Although I have always held great respect for the tremendous responsibility that comes with this title, it has long been one of my core beliefs to let the people, not a title, drive me.
As an alumnus of UW-Madison, who began my administrative career here with MMSD, I have always considered the people of Madison to be family. Your incredibly warm welcome verifies my long felt connection and love for this community. I thank you for your faith, trust and confidence in me to uphold the high standards of education this district has come to expect, and (most importantly) our students deserve.
At this time, I would like to express my admiration for Interim Superintendent, Jane Belmore, by celebrating her incredible leadership over the past year as Interim Superintendent. Our district will always have tremendous gratitude for her decades of work and meaningful contributions to public education and the MMSD community.
As we prepare to welcome back our students for the 2020-21 school year, our district continues to work closely with local health officials for guidance to inform our decisions, and ensure they are in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of our students, families and staff. Our goal for the months ahead is to provide the best instruction possible while keeping all students and staff safe. We remain committed to keeping you informed as we move forward during these very uncertain times.
For everyone, this summer has been one we will never forget, and has left us with a variety of very different emotions. We witnessed the horrors of racial injustice happening across America; just this week, we felt immeasurable pain when a child in our own community was taken from us due to gun violence. We have also felt tremendous anxiety and uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, while being encouraged by so many people, from every background and race, standing together in solidarity to rally for true change, and continuing the fight for human decency.
As a school district, we will engage our community and have conversations with our students, our education leaders, business owners, community leaders, and our elected officials. It is a fundamental demand of social justice and a requirement of human dignity for all to participate. Our collective charge as leaders and staff is to provide a nurturing community for ALL of our families and children, so our students can reach their full potential.
As a district we have come a long way, and we have many challenges ahead. It is with sincere appreciation that I am able to be a part of the MMSD story. I look forward to working with all of you.
Sincerely,
Carlton
