explaining that these opportunities not only build technical skills but also cultivate confidence and adaptability, essential traits for lifelong success. FACING INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES WITH THE BIGGER PICTURE IN SIGHT While the district has made significant strides in curriculum and professional development, infrastructure remains a pressing concern. “Right now, our district has about $18 million in deferred maintenance,” Olsen-Farrell confirms. However, despite these challenges, the district has creatively leveraged federal funds to redesign spaces and address critical needs. For example, ESSER funds were used to create a dedicated middle school within the high school campus. “We used our ESSER funds to essentially redesign a portion of our high school to house seventh and eighth graders… since then, we’ve incorporated some money into our local budget to address heating systems, windows, and other basic maintenance,” Olsen-Farrell says. Looking ahead, Olsen-Farrell and O’Meara are clear-eyed about the need for additional resources to modernize facilities, from heating systems to elevators. However, their focus remains on investing in programs that directly impact student learning and engagement. “We’re seeing students with more needs at younger ages. So, we’re thinking about how we can take what we have as a district and ask: is there a way to redesign the system so we’re better able to meet student needs? Is there a way to expand partnerships in our community and neighboring districts?” OlsenFarrell says, pondering how Slate Valley can refine its services. As leaders, both Olsen-Farrell and O’Meara agree that the key to growth is continually learning to inspire staff and students. 302 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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