MUSD Strategic goals come to life in many ways

If you’ve never heard me talk to the community about Milpitas Unified, here are snippets:​
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In 2018, the voters of Milpitas aligned with the vision of the school district and governing board to finish Mabel Mattos Elementary School; build new track and fields at our middle schools; add a new performing arts theater at Milpitas High School; improve safety and security from intruders; and complete the new MUSD Innovation Campus for high school students, adult learners and professionals.

• Mabel Mattos Elementary: complete.
• Middle school track and fields: complete.
• Safety and security improvements: in progress.
• MHS performing arts theater: in progress.
  
• MUSD Innovation Campus: in progress.

All of these bond projects encompass MUSD Strategic Goal #3, Develop education pathways that allow students to apply their passion. 

At the beginning of August, I drove from school to school taking pictures of the new and colorful digital marquees at each school site. My heart smiled. Thank you Milpitas PTAs/PTOs for partnering with our schools and community to make this happen. This effort aligns with MUSD Strategic Goal #2, Improve Communications for better outreach to staff, students and families.

Each school year challenges me in new ways and reminds me that human life is short, precious and that Father Time is undefeated. Many of the familiar faces that helped me to grow as the senior governing board member in the district now have new roles in the district or have changed industries. The last of the teachers and other staff members who taught me have retired. Some have transitioned from this human life to the next. This past summer I attended "Celebration of Life" events for several MUSD employees and past retirees. At some of the celebrations, MUSD employees outnumbered the family members or close friends. We sat together, held hands, cried and reflected, exemplifying MUSD Strategic Goal #1, Build a Culture of WE. 

On the first day of school, I felt a true sense of optimism across our district and Milpitas community. I listened to the hope of  parents and students for a school year that is not disrupted by a global or regional health crisis. I listened to teachers, staff and district leadership reflect on the challenges of the past two years, lessons learned and best practices to take forward in order to best serve ALL of the children who attend our schools. It demonstrated that we are following through with MUSD Strategic Goal #4, Focus on services and support systems to ensure all students are engaged in their learning and Strategic Goal #5, Identify creative, student focused strategies... to ensure healthy learning environments.

Exemplifying “what we say IS what we do” is hard work, good work, and fun. Where do the Board strategic goals align with your leadership? 

In Service,

Chris Norwood,
MUSD Board Vice President
2020 CSBA State Board Member of the Year

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