From the Den: A Message for our Diamondback Families from the Superintendent                                                                        

August is upon us! Summer fun filled with family activities makes the mantra “time flies when you’re having fun” a truism we all experience. 2022-23 school year planning started last April, and we are prepared for another year of learning. With the support the Dutton/Brady community has shown our school staff and students, I cannot be prouder to be your new superintendent. I look forward to working with you for many years to come. 

Our staff is committed to providing the highest quality education and facilities for our Dutton/Brady families. Our mission is “developing caring learners that grow and achieve.” Every step we make as a collective is in the direction of that goal. This involved a strategic realignment of our administrative staffing and academic support areas. Esther Clark has worked hard in preparing our fiscal capacity. We are happy to announce Mrs. Clark’s full role as Business Manager/Clerk. Tedi Bishop will continue library duties and a new role as Grant Manager. Mrs. Bishop is exemplary at finding and creating new opportunities for our Dutton/Brady community. Lisette Hofer is our new Multi-tiered Systems of Support Coordinator (MTSS), which provides strategic analyses for various student needs. This position is part of a grant through the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) that will bring over $25,000 to our district over the next three years. This is used for training, differentiated instructional needs, and increasing students’ academic experiences. This collective effort in these new roles and fantastic staff will help our students grow and achieve in new unique ways. We look forward to these innovative instructional experiences.

Maintenance and custodial staff work diligently over the summer to improve our facilities. The football field has been nurtured. Our American flag was relocated to give it proper spacing to fly as intended, free and proud. Our sick room has been updated to provide appropriate sanitation and equipment for safety. The school grounds have been cut, trimmed, and pruned to the visual acuity in admiration of our building as a place of learning and community support. Buses have been fitted with new arms and inspected for student safety. Our playground was updated with more safety mats and fencing to separate it from the parking lot. New smartboards were installed that will introduce students to new ways of learning. The library even has some flexible seating for students enjoying a new book. These changes bring a new commitment to our Dutton/Brady community and student experiences that boost academic achievement.

But this does not mean we are without challenges. With inflation reaching above 9%, the ability to be fiscally responsible is essential. With the removal of universal free and reduced lunch, everyone will be charged at standard rates. In June, trustees increased the price of breakfast and lunch by 10¢. Student prices for breakfast and lunch will be $1.60 and $2.35, respectively. For adults, breakfast is $2.35, and lunch is $4.10. It’s essential for our school that you complete the free and reduced lunch form. This provides funding opportunities for our food program and grants. The more families that complete these forms, helps us offer future opportunities for students. Please help us by submitting completed forms to our office. We are excited for our new school year that starts on August 24th. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Don’t forget our new community lending libraries at the Brady Post Office and Dutton Public Pool. 

Go Diamondbacks!
Best,

Jeremy Locke, Superintendent 
Dutton/Brady Public Schools