Ready or not, the midpoint of summer break has arrived! I hope you've had the opportunity to relax, spend quality time with family and friends, and maybe even enjoy a getaway or two.
As the calendar turns to July and I officially take the reins of USD 388, I first want to express my sincere appreciation to our Board of Education and Mrs. Wilson for their dedication and leadership over the past several years. Their work has established clear priorities and a strong foundation for our district. As we look ahead, I am energized by a shared vision that brings people together – one that honors our past while building an even brighter future. That spirit of community is what makes Ellis such a special place.
Our work will continue to be guided by the district's Strategic Plan adopted in 2025. Developed with valuable input from our staff and community, the plan focuses on four key areas: Communication & Community Engagement, Facilities & Infrastructure, Student Development & Engagement, and Staff & Financial Sustainability. This roadmap will continue to guide our decisions, budgets, and priorities while ensuring our time, resources, and investments remain aligned with the community's vision for Ellis schools.
While summer may be a break for students, it is one of the busiest seasons for school districts. Much of the work happens behind the scenes as we prepare for another successful school year. Here are just a few highlights from the past several months:
The roof and gutter replacement project at Washington Grade School has been completed, and another section of the more than 20-year-old roof at Ellis High School has also been replaced. Although these projects represent a significant investment and have been completed in phases over several years, they reflect our commitment to maintaining quality facilities while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
The second and final phase of maintenance on the deteriorating sewer pipelines at Ellis High School is also now complete. While another major investment, this rehabilitation project is expected to add decades of life to the existing infrastructure while greatly reducing the drain and sewer backup issues experienced in recent years.
Summer strength and conditioning is well underway for our junior high and high school students. Our coaches continue to praise the outstanding effort and commitment our student-athletes have shown, laying the foundation for successful seasons ahead.
Construction of the Little Railers Daycare is entering the home stretch, with plans to open by the start of the school year - and hopefully even sooner. This community-driven project has been years in the making and would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of countless individuals, organizations, and partners.
We're also excited to share that all classroom teaching positions have been filled. New technology is being deployed throughout the district, updated curriculum resources continue to arrive, and our staff is hard at work preparing classrooms to welcome students back next month.
Of course, we are always looking for bus drivers and substitute teachers. If you've ever considered a career in education, I encourage you to learn more about joining our team. Few careers are as rewarding as working with young people, and Ellis is fortunate to have some of the very best students anyone could hope to serve.
As our district pursues ambitious goals, there will undoubtedly be challenges along the way. Like many school districts, we must carefully manage a tight budget and make thoughtful decisions about how to best use our resources. In a community with diverse perspectives, it's also natural that people will disagree. During those moments, our greatest strength is our ability to listen, seek understanding, and remain focused on the shared vision we all have for our students and community.
Just as I remember from growing up here, Ellis remains a place where people belong. Whether you've lived here your entire life or recently made Ellis your home, you are part of this community. By working together, we can continue building schools that prepare students for success while strengthening the community we all care so deeply about.
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, I believe Ellis is well-positioned for continued progress. That progress begins with strong relationships, open communication, and genuine appreciation for one another. It also requires trust, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace new ideas. I'm grateful to be back home in Ellis, and I'm excited for what lies ahead. Together, we'll continue to show what it truly means to be Railer Proud.
Todd Flinn
Superintendent
USD 388 - Ellis