Dear LexRich5 Family,
Our District has been transformed. For the last three years, we have been planning Operation Transformation. As a result, we have restructured our educational program to ensure all elementary, middle, and high schools have the same grade levels and start times.
We have redistricted our schools to maximize the space of our existing campuses as student enrollment trends shifted. We renovated three campuses with new instructional classroom wings to ensure all students can learn in brand-new buildings with improved technology, new furniture and increased natural lighting. The true purpose of these changes was to highlight our district’s vision and mission of transforming the lives of the students we serve. With the start of the 2026-2027 school year, we highlight the transformative power of education to improve the academic, social, and emotional growth and development of all students.
The “Take Flight” theme for the 2026-2027 school year is inspired by the growth students achieve when provided with intentional, targeted instruction. Like a butterfly taking flight after leaving the chrysalis (cocoon), our students will “take flight” well prepared for college, career, and life.
The 2026-2027 school year is also the last year of our five year strategic plan. The strategic plan is the long-term direction of the district and articulation of the vision and mission statements in the measurable goals and strategies established by our school community. School District Five envisions a future where every student will feel loved in our schools through our focus on mental health and emotional self-regulation, and will demonstrate academic growth through an educational program that meets the specific instructional needs and interests of every student.
Together, we will develop our next 5-year plan for the 2027-2032 time frame. The success of our district in 2032 will fundamentally depend on our ability to pursue our vision and mission today. We are committed to empowering our teachers and families and providing them with the tools to meet the specific needs of all students. We are excited to introduce the iReady assessment tool, which will replace MAP testing in elementary and middle schools. iReady will not only provide teachers with detailed diagnostic information about their students but also provide parents with reports explaining their child’s growth targets and academic strengths and weaknesses. Parents can also partner in the learning process by monitoring Chromebook activity through the iBoss Parent Portal. The iBoss Portal allows parents to control screen time after the instructional day and to see their children’s online activity.
I am most excited about the student learning expectations our district has created to help our students develop the critical- thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills necessary to be successful in life. When school, home, and community partner together, success is always the result. Join us as we “Take Flight” for another great year of Loving and Growing Our Students.
Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr.
Superintendent
