As we close another school year at Catoosa Public Schools, I want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude, pride, and optimism.
This year has been marked by growth and meaningful progress across our district. Through our Continuous Strategic Improvement efforts, we are seeing gains in academic achievement, stronger student support systems, improved facilities, and continued growth in opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom. Our students continue to excel in academics, the arts, athletics, career programs, and leadership activities, and those successes are possible because of the commitment of our teachers, staff, administrators, and community working together on behalf of students.
Public education is deeply personal work, and because of that, it often brings passionate conversations and strong emotions. Over the last several months, there has been community discussion regarding concerns about bullying in schools. I want our parents, students, staff, and community members to know this clearly: we hear those concerns, and we take them seriously.
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported when they walk into our schools. Student conflict, unkind behavior, and bullying concerns are matters we address seriously because the emotional well-being of children matters deeply. When concerns are reported, our schools listen, investigate, and respond through established district policies and procedures. Our site leaders, counselors, teachers, and support staff work diligently each day to address conflict, support students, and foster positive learning environments.
Bullying is not unique to one school or one community. It is a challenge schools across the nation continue to face. While we cannot promise perfection or eliminate every difficult situation, we can promise that we will continue working relentlessly to support students, respond fairly, and improve our systems whenever needed.
There may be times when parents and families do not agree with the outcome of a situation. We understand that when your child is hurting, you want certainty and visible resolution. However, lack of public detail does not mean lack of action. Often, interventions, supports, and consequences occur in ways that cannot be publicly shared due to student privacy laws and our responsibility to protect all children involved.
At the same time, I believe it is important to address a growing narrative directly and honestly. Constructive feedback helps schools improve, and we will always listen when concerns are raised. But what I cannot accept and what I will continue to challenge is the idea that our schools “do nothing” or that our employees do not care.
I see the work happening every single day. I see administrators investigating difficult situations thoroughly and fairly. I see teachers building relationships with students and intervening when conflict arises. I see counselors supporting students through emotional challenges. I see staff members stepping in repeatedly to protect, guide, and encourage students. The people serving in Catoosa Public Schools care deeply about students, and they work tirelessly to support them.
It is also important to recognize that creating respectful and compassionate school communities is a shared responsibility. Schools play a major role in teaching expectations, accountability, empathy, and kindness, but students are also shaped by the examples and values they experience outside of school. When families, schools, and communities work together in modeling respect and responsibility, students benefit most.
As superintendent, I understand that criticism comes with leadership, and I welcome constructive conversations that help us improve. Our district will continue listening, learning, and growing. We will continue focusing on student achievement, student well-being, and building a culture where every student feels valued, supported, challenged, and cared for. Public education is human work. Some days we will hit the mark, and some days we will miss it, but we will continue listening, learning, and working to do better for students.
As we look ahead, I remain incredibly hopeful about the future of Catoosa Public Schools. We are making progress. We are growing stronger. Most importantly, we will continue striving to ensure our schools reflect the very best of our community.
Thank you for your continued support of Catoosa Public Schools. I hope each student, each staff member, and our families have a safe, restful, and meaningful summer.
In service,
Robert Schornick
Superintendent
Catoosa Public Schools