From the Superintendent

We started the 2017-2018 school year on Monday, September 28. As always, our first priority was to create and maintain a safe and respectful environment for our students and staff. Without such, learning takes a back seat.

Our students continue to finish strong, with 100% graduation rate again last year, and the highest test scores in the state at the high school level. However, we are seeing a decline in achievement in some areas and grade levels, and we are taking a hard look at our curriculum and resources in those areas.

Enrollment is up in all three of the schools in our district, about eight percent overall. We also have two new staff members, both at Eureka County High School. Danielle Garrett comes to us after a very successful stint in Winnemucca, and she will teach English and Resource. Our new high school principal, Jeff Evans, comes to us from Douglas High School in Minden, Nevada, after twelve years as a Spanish instructor and thirteen years as a site administrator.

I am often asked at events around the state, “How is it that Eureka is always at or near the top in academics and athletics?” It starts with supportive families and community members who expect our students to work hard, be respectful and do their best. It includes students, therefore, who do just that. Having a staff, from teachers and coaches to secretaries and custodians, who are skilled and caring is the next ingredient. Add to that our isolation, which limits distraction and transiency, and we are well on our way.

We know from generations of research and observation that the more a student is involved in school outside the classroom, the better he or she will do inside the classroom. Last year, we had 91% of our high school students involved in sports, and 78% involved in two or more extra-curricular activities. And, over half of our students were involved enough in Future Farmers of America to compete at the state level. We also have a strong, active community youth program, with sports, dance and the arts, for our elementary students.

Of course, we have our share of challenges, but I consider myself a very lucky man to spend the twilight of my career in this community.

Dan Wold, Superintendent

Eureka County Schools