Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

This perspective, coupled with a comprehensive strategy, has propelled Crestwood School District forward, achieving in four years what might have otherwise taken eight. The district’s ability to adapt, innovate, and grow despite unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic vividly illustrates effective leadership and community collaboration. “The district has been able to evaluate staffing district-wide, assessing the needs of the district and realigning staff resources where necessary without creating layoffs or increasing staff sizes. In addition, the district has been able to utilize financial resources provided to address additional educational needs for students post COVID with one-time expenditures that will not leave a legacy cost for the district,” Penny Morgan, CFO for the district, states. “The district has been able to focus on the educational needs of students post-COVID by utilizing data to determine students’current areas of need and then building a plan of intervention and support to address skill gaps and improve their overall achievement. Reduced class sizes in lower elementary and increased support staff to assist students through small group instruction have shown instrumental in closing the gaps created by interrupted learning,” Andria O’Hara, Associate Superintendent, elaborates. PRIORITIZING SECURITY IN EDUCATION In an era where school security is paramount, Crestwood School District has taken significant We created a gaming team when we returned from Covid in 2020, and remarkably, just a year later, we were national champions Dean: Your Partner in Safe and Reliable School Transportation At Dean Transportation, we understand the importance of quality student transportation. Dean has partnered with Crestwood School District for more than a decade and is honored to be the district’s transportation provider. Both Crestwood and Dean strive to make a difference in the community through inclusivity, environmentally sustainable practices, innovative technology, top-notch training and community involvement. Dean Transportation was established in the early 1950s out of a recognized need for student transportation services. Since its beginning, Dean has been recognized three times as one of the nation’s top school bus companies for its commitment to the industry. Dean looks forward to continuing our partnership with Crestwood and taking steps in innovation to support student success. For more information about Dean Transportation and its partnerships throughout Michigan, visit deantransportation.com. CRESTWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT