Nov. 6, 2006

The Aurora Sentinel
10730 E. Bethany Drive
Suite 304
Aurora, CO 80014

Dear Editor:

As former superintendents for Aurora Public Schools, we would like to applaud Superintendent John L. Barry on the draft release of VISTA 2010, the district’s new strategic plan. We are both excited about the fact that APS is involving the entire community in the plan development.

During his 90-day listening tour, Superintendent Barry held numerous meetings with staff, parents and community members. His goal was to understand the strengths and weaknesses of APS and develop a plan to ensure student success by accelerating student achievement and closing the gap for all students. It is apparent that the plan reflects the feedback he received.

The goal is to make this a “living document” that APS can adjust as needed to ensure success. A flexible planning process will result in greater accountability for the results of increasing student achievement and ensuring that every APS student has the choice to go to college.

We support Superintendent Barry and the whole APS team in this bold and exciting journey for the children of Aurora. We need to have a sense of urgency in our community and give this plan a chance for success for the kids.  We have both spoken to many others who see the value in the proposed changes for APS. We join the APS family in the noble goal to help APS pick up the PACE to increase achievement for every student.  This is a window of opportunity and a unique time to really make a difference – let's seize the moment and support VISTA 2010.

Dr. David L. Hartenbach
APS Superintendent of Schools, 1993-2001