As we set our clocks forward this month, it was an apt reminder of how this time of year always feels like it’s kicking into a new gear. Coming back from spring break, there is renewed momentum, full of promise. It’s hard not to feel a sense of energy and optimism when we pay attention to the great things happening in our schools and communities.

I do want to shout-out Bearcat Giveback Day because it is such a special annual event that reflects our investment in civic engagement. This event is organized by our student advisory groups and their teachers, and it is inspiring to see the leadership they demonstrate in planning and carrying it out. Each year, our students take the lead in completing projects, large and small, to make our schools and community even better. The weather was not ideal — it’s hard to paint a bike rack when the temperature is below freezing — but watching our students give back and take pride in their work is always a treat.

Spring is also a great time to recognize school employees. There are so many different roles, and each plays a unique and important part in helping us provide the best educational experience possible for every student. From school social workers and counselors to bus drivers, custodians and maintenance staff, we are fortunate in USD 327 to have dedicated individuals who often work behind the scenes to support students and keep them safe.

Here are a few more shout-outs and celebrations worth noting:

• Our high school students have been shining onstage and across the state. Bravo to the wonderful performance of “Once Upon a Mattress,” and three cheers for our wrestling and girls’ basketball teams who represented us at the state level!

• Coach Thorburn was named Kansas Wrestling Officials Association 3-21A Boys’ Coach of the Year. Steve is a committed coach and teacher, and we are excited to see him recognized for this honor.

• The EJSHS Career Fair was a tremendous success, thanks to so many local volunteers and planning by Mrs. Stover and Mrs. Browning. I loved sharing with students about careers in education, and it was inspiring to see so many community members sharing about their careers and encouraging our students to explore opportunities for their futures.

• We measured gains on our goal of structured literacy and recognized teachers earning their Seal of Literacy during our official accreditation School Improvement Day March 10. We are making great progress, thanks to the hard work of our teaching staff — new teachers included!

As we move through the legislative session in Topeka, there have been ongoing discussions around property tax relief. One important piece for our community to understand is how school funding connects to that conversation. Currently, a significant portion of our local option budget supports our required special education funding. If the state were to increase its investment in special education, it would reduce the need for districts to rely on local property tax dollars for that purpose. In turn, this could allow districts like USD 327 to lower the LOB and ease the local tax burden. We will continue to monitor these discussions closely and advocate for solutions that best support our students and community.

Springtime in school is also a good time to reflect. For me, spring break always brings back memories of ski trips to Colorado with my boys — time together that, like so many moments in our schools, seemed to pass quickly but left a lasting impact. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t just happen in classrooms, but through experiences, relationships and shared moments.

As we prepare for state assessments, it is important to remember that our strategic theme to Educate for Excellence cannot be accomplished in one day or measured by a single test. True learning is a journey — academic, social and personal — reflecting a shared effort across our entire school community.

Thank you for all you do to support our students. We truly are Better Together, Striving for Excellence.

Deena Hilbig is the superintendent of USD 327. She can be reached at 785-4725561.