January is school board recognition month, which provides our district and community a wonderful opportunity to say “thank you” to our outstanding school board members who serve our district so willingly: Tiffany Elcyzyn, Darrin Abel, Valorie Dalton, and Jeff Dingee.
School board members do more for our district beyond attending monthly meetings. They help establish a vision for the district, manage an annual budget of $25,715,000, write policy, hire the superintendent, and ensure our district can provide as many opportunities as possible for the 2,644 students and 350 teachers and staff.
This board has worked collectively to lay the foundation and campaign to pass a $79,750,000 bond, which will add new classrooms at Newcastle Middle School and Newcastle High School, renovate playgrounds at the Newcastle Early Childhood Center and at Newcastle Elementary School, and purchase new buses.
Our school board has a passion for the students and community of Newcastle, and we are so fortunate to have them advocating for our district.
I would also like to recognize John Maker whose last board meeting was in December. Mr. Maker was elected to the school board in 2015, serving Newcastle Public Schools for more than nine years. During his tenure on the board, the district has experienced significant growth.
In 2015, there were 2,028 students. Today, there are 2,644 students, an increase of more than 600 students. In 2015, there were 147 certified teachers and 96 support staff for a total of 243 employees. Now, there are 334 employees, including 196 certified teachers and 138 support staff.
Mr. Maker served on the board through several milestones within the district which include the district transitioning from a five day a week calendar to four days, he has hired and mentored three superintendents, helped lead a district through COVID-19, celebrated 100 years of Newcastle Public Schools, and passed a $79,750,000 bond. We truly appreciate everything Mr. Maker has done for Newcastle Public Schools.
The district is currently accepting applications to fill Mr. Maker’s seat. If you are interested in serving on the school board, please go to the district website and complete the application. We will be accepting applications until the close of business on February 6, 2024.
Thank you again to all of our school board members for their service.
It’s a great day to be a Racer!
