A Message of Gratitude from Superintendent Kim
November 11, 2025
Greetings,
Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to express our deep gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty remind us what it means to serve something greater than ourselves, which I believe is a value that runs deeply throughout the BPS101 community. Thank you to our students and staff who have taken time this week to honor veterans through assemblies, letters, and community outreach.
I am writing to provide an update on what has been happening this school year and to plant some seeds about what is on the horizon. I apologize in advance for the lengthier letter than normal. But these major points were important to share. Please know this is just a snapshot of what is happening and doesn’t encompass everything that is happening every day in our schools.
Early Literacy: Strengthening the Foundation (Strategic Plan Priority 1)
Our elementary reading initiative continues to make substantial progress. This fall, numerous BPS101 teachers volunteered to begin field-testing new reading curriculum resources aligned to the Science of Reading. Teachers and instructional coaches are actively collecting feedback & data, refining lesson pacing, and evaluating student engagement. These field tests are helping shape our district-wide selection and implementation plan for the 2026-27 school year. Early literacy remains a top district priority, grounded in equity, research, and the Portrait of a Graduate skills outlined in our strategic plan.
Early Adoption: Kindergarten (Strategic Plan Priority 1)
We are proud to share an important update regarding our plan to launch full-day kindergarten for the next school year, which is one year ahead of the state’s requirement. A dedicated team of teachers and administrators is actively collaborating to develop the program’s structure, refine the elementary day schedule, and conduct site visits to successful full-day programs. This proactive approach ensures we will be ready to provide this vital educational opportunity to our youngest learners.
Capital Projects: Progress Across Our Schools (Strategic Plan Priority 3)
Thanks to thoughtful resource planning, BPS101 continues to invest in safe, efficient, and updated learning environments. This plan was titled “Warm, Safe, and Dry” at the December 2023 Regular Board meeting. Here are a few updates:
- Completed Projects (2025): Renovations at H.C. Storm School, which included a new front office and secured entrance, and numerous updated or reconfigured classroom spaces. Remodeled and updated Learning Resource Centers at Rotolo Middle School and Batavia High School. Across the district, repairs and updates were made to various mechanical and technological infrastructure.
- On Deck for Summer 2026: The next phase of the “Warm, Safe, and Dry” plan includes more mechanical updates and the start of planned improvements at Louise White Elementary which will closely mirror the updates completed at H.C. Storm School this past summer. Also, H.C. Storm will have site work completed addressing roadway and playground matters.
Each of these projects reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term facility stewardship. This work is being drawn from the district’s reserves (known as fund balance) while competing with inflation in construction costs.
Listening to Every Voice: Panorama Surveys (Strategic Plan Priority 2)
We are expanding the use of Panorama survey tools across the district to elevate the voices of students, staff, and families. Panorama helps us understand areas of strength and opportunity in belonging, engagement, and well-being. We have been conducting ongoing, district-wide training with staff and administration who oversee the use of this tool. Data collected this fall will continue to inform school improvement plans and district-level goals related to inclusion and belonging, one of our core strategic priorities.
State of the Community: Celebrating Partnership (Strategic Plan Priorities 1, 2, 3)
At the recent State of the Community breakfast, BPS101 was proud to highlight the power of partnerships across our city’s public entities: the library, the park district, and city government. Together, we’re building opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen the ties that make Batavia such a special community. The BPS101 presentation encompassed the themes embedded in this letter.
Illinois Report Card: Positive Trends & Continuous Growth (Strategic Plan Priorities 1, 2, 3)
The 2025 Illinois School Report Cards were released this month, and we’re proud to see positive trends across the District, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA), post-secondary connections, and our school climate survey. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our educators, students, and families who have embraced our continuous improvement mindset. As I always say, if we can just focus on ourselves, getting better every time we go out and take the field, the scoreboard will take care of itself. Our district teams are now analyzing the data to identify next steps to sustain and accelerate this progress while ensuring we address any lagging areas.
Strategic Stewardship: Doing More with Less (Strategic Plan Priority 3)
As aspects of the state’s evidence-based funding formula continue to lag behind inflation, BPS101 remains proactive in aligning resources to support student learning, safety, and well-being. We remain at the state’s highest financial rating. We are exploring creative efficiencies, leveraging partnerships, and prioritizing supports that yield the most significant benefit for our students. This data-driven approach ensures that every dollar is used strategically and sustainably.
Planning for the Future: RSP Enrollment Study (Strategic Plan Priority 3)
Finally, our RSP & Associates enrollment study was completed this fall. This data-driven analysis projected student enrollment trends over the next 5 years, helping the district make informed decisions about facilities, staffing, and long-term planning. While the report is complex, it is clear that our enrollment will remain steady and hover around current levels until 2030. What makes this challenging is that our increase in students appears across different programs, grades, and schools, depending on the year being reviewed. We look forward to sharing those findings publicly this winter as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and strategic foresight. It will be discussed at the November 18, 2025, Regular Board Meeting under Reports.
Thank you!
As we approach the season of gratitude, I want to thank each of you for all you do to make Batavia an extraordinary place to learn and grow. Together, we are shaping a bright and sustainable future for every student.
Please like and follow our social media accounts to stay up to date with what’s happening at BPS101. Also, please read our building and district weekly Messengers, which provide a lot of information and updates.
Sincerely,
Tom Kim
Superintendent, Batavia Public School District 101