Better Together: Welcoming the 2026-27 School Year

Dear BPS Families, Staff, Students, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2026–27 school year! I am pleased to share our first Superintendent’s Weekly Update of the year as we prepare to welcome our students and families back to BPS.

While our schools may have been quieter during the summer months, tremendous work has been happening throughout the district. Our staff and administrators have worked diligently to prepare our schools, strengthen programs, welcome new colleagues, and ensure that we are ready for the opportunities ahead. There is a wonderful sense of anticipation and excitement across BPS as we look forward to seeing our students return to our classrooms and hallways.

Our theme for this school year is Better Together, reflecting our belief that our greatest success comes when our schools, families, staff, students, and community work in partnership. This theme is closely connected to our vision that every student is supported, connected, and engaged. When students know they belong, have adults who believe in them, and are actively engaged in meaningful learning, they are positioned to thrive.

Better Together also represents our commitment to strengthening connections with our community. We want our families and community members to understand the important work taking place throughout BPS and to celebrate with us the many wonderful things happening in our schools each day. This weekly update will be one way we continue to build that connection by sharing important information, highlighting accomplishments, and telling the stories of our students, staff, and schools.

As we begin the year, we are also excited to welcome several new administrators to BPS. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to their roles, and we are fortunate to have them join our team. I know our community will join me in extending a warm welcome to each of them as they become part of BPS.

The beginning of a new school year is always filled with possibility. I am grateful to our staff and administrators for the work they have done throughout the summer, to our families and community for their continued partnership, and most importantly, to our students, who are at the center of everything we do.

I look forward to an outstanding 2026–27 school year and to all that we will accomplish Better Together.  Please visit our Facebook page to view photos from this morning’s convocation.

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools