I would like to wish the Reynolds community a fond farewell. It has been both my pleasure and my privilege to serve you as superintendent for more than two years and as executive director of Instruction starting in 2003.

During the past nine years we have faced many challenges and shared many successes.

The teachers, administrators and staff have worked tirelessly to correct issues from the past, introduce sustainable systems, and implement improvements.

I'd like to provide special recognition to the Reynolds School Board for giving me the opportunity to be superintendent and for their tireless work in service of the community.

Also, a special thank you to all who have supported me and my team.

The last two years have been challenging, but we have made major progress toward realizing our goals for improving educational outcomes for our students. Several of the key achievements include:

• A long-range plan that provides a road map for virtually every aspect of school district development that needs to be addressed in the next few years. I am happy to say that the plan has received strong support from staff and provides flexibility for the future administration to address District needs.

• A district budget that is transparent and easy to decipher. An increased use of data to guide decisions in every aspect of the district from instruction to finance to maintenance and operations.

• Major improvements in the infrastructure of district technology, which will allow more efficient and cost effective use of district computers and software.

• An initiative to address the equity issues that exist in our diverse community. The "Courageous Conversations" in-services have included administrators, teachers, classified staff, parents, community members and board members.

• Forged community partnerships that will support student achievement. Partnerships include the Boys and Girls Club of Portland, All Hands Raised "I Have a Dream" Foundation Oregon, All Hands Raised, Oregon Leadership Network, and Metropolitan Family Service.

n Multnomah County provided funding to add three SUN schools that provide after school academic and activity programs for our students. My thanks to Jeff Cogen, Diane McKeel and all Multnomah County Commissioners for supporting this valuable service.

• Improved partnerships with our parents. I am especially grateful for the enthusiastic involvement of the Latino Parent Group.

• Improved systems in Human Resources, Business and Communications.

• Active efforts to increase instruction for our ELL (English Language Learner) students.

• A comprehensive reorganization of the Student Services Department and the addition of a Department of Education Options.

• Restoration of elementary physical education, middle school track and field, and increased library services and high school student activities. Increased support for varsity athletics and continued support for our excellent music program.

• Completed our teacher and classified contracts.

What's ahead?

We have made major progress, but we still have major challenges ahead. Despite modest progress in student achievement over the past nine years, our performance is not yet at a satisfactory level.

I urge teachers, administrators, staff, parents and the community to renew their energy and focus on improving achievement for our precious students.

Now that we are on our way, I urge the community to leave behind a "deficit" view of the district that has focused on issues and concerns from the past.

My wish for the children of this community is that all of the teachers, staff, administrators and board members will celebrate the progress that has been made and will focus on the potential greatness that lies ahead for our community and children.

I wish incoming Superintendent Linda Florence and the community much success in building on the progress we have made so far and reaching the goals of the future.

Dr. Joyce L. Henstrand is the departing superintendent of the Reynolds School District.