Dear friends and partners, 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! I was proud to join so many of our school communities to celebrate our graduating and culminating students and expressing my hopes for their future. No matter what that future holds, I have no doubt that we’ll be in good hands with the next generation of leaders. 

Amid these celebrations, our work continues. This week, we cut the ribbon for the grand reopening of Kentwood Early Education Center and broke ground on a new outdoor classroom at Vanalden Early Education Center. Thousands of students will soon return to our campuses for another exciting summer of learning and enrichment opportunities. And next week, the Board will vote on resolutions I'm cosponsoring to expand budget transparency and promote the importance of play for kids. 

The Board will also vote on a resolution I authored to ban cell phones during the school day. Check out my op-ed about how phone-free school days can address the academic and mental health challenges associated with smartphones and social media in our youth. 

Congratulations to our graduates and wishing all our families a wonderful summer!

Onward,