Dear SAISD Family Member,
It is truly an honor and privilege for me to be a part of this amazing SAISD Family. During my first month on the job, I have had the distinct pleasure of visiting with our students, teachers, employees, parents, business leaders, community members, and Alliance partners. As I visit our schools and walk through our classrooms, I can sense the pride and dedication of both our students and staff. The energy level and commitment to student achievement is inspiring. I observe teachers and staff who are enthusiastic and helpful at every opportunity, and I observe students who are extremely excited about being in school.
During our discussions, the word quality continues to drive the conversation. Quality learning environments, quality instructional programs, quality opportunities, quality relationships, and quality customer service that allows us to value and support our most treasured resource, our people.
We realize that in terms of customer service related to payroll, compensation, and alignment of human capital amenities we must improve in this responsibility. We have experienced many issues that have affected our employees since our transfer to the Frontline system this past year. Please know we are working diligently with our vendor and cross-function teams to address these concerns immediately and provide you with the customer service you so richly deserve. However, if you are experiencing a matter that needs instant attention, do not hesitate to contact us.
We also want you to know that our Board of Trustees, our Alliance partners, and all of us in SAISD, are committed to honoring and valuing our family members. At our Nov. 8, 2021 Board Meeting, we will be requesting our Board of Trustees to approve a one-time employee retention stipend of $500 dollars to all current full-time, permanent district employees, hired on or before Nov. 8, 2021. The stipend will be paid in a separate December check before we depart for the winter break. We truly appreciate you and all that you do to make SAISD such a special place to be.
Regarding our continuous commitment of working together and cultivating a system of excellence across our 79 square miles, I am reminded of a story about choice.
A young Native American man was talking to his grandfather. The young man asked his grandfather, “What do you think about the situation of the world?” The grandfather replied, “I feel like two wolves are fighting inside my heart. One wolf is filled with anger and hatred, and the other wolf is filled with love, forgiveness, and peace.” The young man then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather replied, “The one I choose to feed.”
As we continue to move our district forward and face the challenges that lie ahead, we will never lose sight of the fact that by working together, we will always achieve more. We will keep our challenges before us instead of between us and will always remember “SAISD is too great for small dreams.”
Have a “Fantastic Friday” and wonderful Halloween weekend!
"Dr. J"
Robert Jaklich, Ed. D.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
~Mahatma Gandhi