In the Summit School District, we are united by a shared commitment: every student deserves to feel valued, respected, and included. That’s the heart of our approach to belonging—and it’s not just a belief, it’s a daily practice we work on every day across Summit schools. 
 

In recent months, equity and inclusion have been topics of national conversation. But for us, this work isn’t about trends or politics. It’s about ensuring that every learner has access to a high-quality education that reflects who they are and prepares them for a future filled with possibility.
 

What It Looks Like in Our Classrooms

When we say “teaching that reflects every student,” we mean:

• Incorporating diverse voices—our curriculum includes a rich mix of cultures, histories, and perspectives.
   
• Building strong relationships—we strive to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
   
• Setting high expectations for everyone—and making sure the scaffolding is there to help each student meet them.
   
• Making learning relevant—we connect what’s taught to students’ lives, helping them see the value and purpose in their education.
   
• Partnering with families—because we know learning doesn’t stop at the school doors.

Reflection: How does your child experience a sense of belonging at school? Think about moments when your child comes home excited about a lesson, a project, or a connection with a teacher. Those moments are key indicators of belonging. How can we build more of those experiences—together? 
 

This kind of inclusive, student-centered teaching is at the heart of our Graduate Profile. It’s how we prepare our students to thrive—not just academically, but socially and emotionally, too.

Why It Matters

When students feel they belong, they are more likely to engage in school, succeed in class, graduate on time, and pursue post-secondary opportunities with confidence. It’s not just good for individual learners—it’s a win for families, schools, and our broader Summit County community.
 

Reflection: In what ways do you feel invited into your child’s learning journey? Have you had the opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, attend a school event? What made you feel welcomed—and where can we do more to strengthen that partnership?
 

We know that families are a child’s first and most important teachers. When we work together—educators and families alike—we multiply the impact.
 

Reflection: How can we work together to make every child feel valued and inspired at school?

Consider what being “seen” at school looks like for your child. How can we better collaborate to support that?

School Funding and State Budget Update

As we plan for the 2025–26 school year, Summit School District continues to prioritize strategic budgeting, salary negotiations, and legislative engagement to ensure strong and sustainable support for our students and staff.
 

The proposed School Finance Act, introduced in April, includes a phased implementation of a new funding formula that will ultimately increase statewide education funding by $500 million. The transition timeline is as follows:

• 15% implemented in 2025-26
• 30% in 2026-27
• 45% in 2027-28
• 60% in 2028-29
• 75% in 2029-30
• 90% in 2030-31
   

It also includes a gradual shift to multi-year averaging of student counts—offering districts more stable financial planning—and “hold harmless” protections to ensure no district loses funding during the transition.
 

While these changes are promising, we know that one-time funds from the State Education Fund will not be a long-term solution. Sustainable education funding will require continued advocacy and partnership at the state and local level.
 

Reflection: What role can our community play in shaping the future of education funding?

Together, we are shaping learning environments that reflect, respect, and inspire every student. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your partnership and trust are what make Summit such a special place to learn and grow.

Tony Byrd, Superintendent
Kara Drake, Chief Financial Officer
Laura Cotsapas, Chief Transformation Officer