Dear St. Helens Students, Staff, and Community,
As the new superintendent, I want to address each of you with openness and sincerity. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt apologies for the challenges and concerns many of you have experienced within our school district. I recognize the frustrations surrounding communication, transparency, and the overall well-being of our students and staff. Please know that your concerns are valid, and I am committed to listening, addressing those concerns, and ensuring our students remain at the center of everything we do.
Within the St. Helens School District, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for every student and staff member. I recognize the importance of addressing the issues raised in previous listening sessions, from improving behavior management practices to ensuring all voices across our schools and community are respected and heard. I am committed to working closely with our new school board to implement corrective actions and create a clear, forward-looking roadmap for success.
The safety and success of our students are my top priorities. I am focused on cultivating a culture where every student can thrive, both academically and emotionally. In collaboration with the St. Helens School District Board of Directors and our dedicated staff, we will tackle current challenges head-on. Together, we will implement strategies to strengthen communication, enhance safety measures, and increase support for our educators, students, and families.
Another top priority is the financial stability of our district. We’ve had to make significant reductions due to past overspending and the addition of staff without sustainable funding. I understand the concerns these cuts have raised among staff, students, and families. As your fiscal steward, I will work tirelessly to restore furloughed days and ensure our schools are adequately staffed, so we can provide the safe, supportive learning environments our students deserve.
I believe deeply in the power of community engagement and invite each of you to be active partners in this journey. Your insights and feedback are essential as we work to build a more inclusive, responsive, and student-focused school system. I encourage you to attend upcoming listening sessions and engage in open dialogue with me and our leadership team.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our schools. Together, we can create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Dr. Koreen Barreras-Brown
St. Helens School District Superintendent
