During the event, community members – which included elected officials – learned about how the District navigated COVID-19 amidst school closures, the shift from virtual to hybrid learning and the return to in-person instruction this fall. The Board also discussed how the District has maintained a sound budget over the past year, the expansion of student support systems and provided an update on programs such as school athletics, the arts, Monrovia High School’s Early College Program and career technical education (CTE) pathways.
Joining Board President Maritza Travanti, Board Vice President Selene Lockerbie, Board Clerk Traci Gholar, and Board Member Jennifer Anderson were Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith, MUSD 2021 Teacher of the Year Kristin Ford, and Board of Education student board representatives Alexia Holt and Brianna Campbell, who each took turns detailing to the community how the District has thrived over the last year. Board Member Rob Hammond was unable to attend the event but sent a message of support and good wishes to the community.
"The State of the Schools address invited the entire community to hear directly from their elected officials; highlighting important accomplishments, successes and challenges the District faces,” Travanti said. “Being transparent with our constituents is a critical component for any leadership body."
The District’s mission – to inspire students to engage in meaningful learning and challenge them to be productive members and leaders of the community – was emphasized throughout the event as the Board discussed the numerous community partnerships, programs and enrichment opportunities that support student success and foster student development.
These programs include Dual Language Immersion in Spanish and Mandarin, a strong science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) curriculum, Early College Program and extensive CTE pathways.
During the event, Ford spoke about how grateful she is that over the past 19 years, the District has continued to provide their students – including her children – with the guidance and resources necessary for them to achieve success.
“The lessons, activities, and opportunities my children have been exposed to are preparing them for the future, and ensuring that they are scientifically literate, critical thinkers and good communicators,” Ford said. “Teachers in Monrovia Unified are responsible for making this happen for them, and as a parent, I am so appreciative of that.”
At the end of the Address, the Board premiered a showcase video that provided an in-depth look at how Monrovia Unified fosters success for students and staff across the District.
“Our annual State of the Schools address is a unique opportunity to showcase the wonderful work that is happening across MUSD,” Smith said. “It is also a chance to share where we are headed in the future and how we will tackle some of the challenges that lie ahead.”
PHOTO CAPTION
MUSD_STATEOFSCHOOLS1: Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education and Superintendent celebrate the 2021-22 State of the Schools Address, which was held Nov. 17 at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center.