Superintendent's Message for April 2026

As superintendent of Southwest Valley, I am proud to share the continued value of the whole
grade sharing agreement between the Corning and Villisca school districts. In January, the
school boards met in a joint session to review the success of the past and considerations for the
future. Each board has also approved sharing of positions for the 2026-27 school year. This
partnership, built on more than a decade of collaboration, reflects a shared commitment to doing
what is best for students while being responsible stewards of our communities’ resources.
At its core, whole grade sharing allows us to combine strengths and opportunities in ways that
neither district could accomplish alone. By aligning grade levels across our buildings, we are
able to offer a broader range of academic courses, career and technical opportunities, and
extracurricular activities. Students benefit from access to more specialized instruction, stronger
peer collaboration, and expanded programming that better prepares them for college, careers,
and life beyond high school.
This model also creates important efficiencies that directly support student learning. By reducing
duplication of programs and services, we are able to use our financial and human resources
more strategically. Specifically we utilize teachers and staff to provide services in both
communities that reduce overlapping expenditures and increase our revenues by approximately
$400,000 on an annual basis.
Our partnership also strengthens both communities. By working together, Corning and Villisca
demonstrate that collaboration can preserve local identity while enhancing opportunity.
Elementary students remain rooted in their home communities, while older students come
together to access expanded opportunities. This balance allows us to honor tradition while
preparing for the future.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to refining and strengthening this partnership so that
every student in Southwest Valley continues to benefit. Community matters. Education matters.
We matter. I matter. Through our continued collaboration, we are living out these beliefs every
day for the students and families we serve.