Dear University Academy Community,
In the year-end issue of The Gryphon, UA 2022 graduate, Donyae Watson, wrote: “Stay encouraged…bigger things are coming, and you have to be prepared for everything.”
As our world continues to be increasingly complex, being prepared to succeed in institutions of higher education is indeed paramount to solving big things coming.
The 2021-2022 school year began with students back to school both in person and virtual, while the residual of the pandemic’s effects continued to impact families and schools across the country. UA nimbly kept its doors (and computers) open to all students who embraced UA’s mission.
Like many schools across the nation, UA offered robust virtual options, but the board acknowledged the unprecedented effects of not fully instructing in-person.
Despite these challenges, we were encouraged as Rebecca Gudde, a lifelong teacher, principal, and UA senior administrator was unanimously confirmed by the board as UA’s next Superintendent, after a three-month, nationwide search.
Another significant milestone took place in Jefferson City, as the funding equity bill was passed. This achievement was the result of multiple years and trips to Jefferson City by staff, UA families, and board members. This funding brings UA and public Charter Schools across the state financial equality.
The board was pleased to receive a clean opinion from the November Audit, meaning best practices are being followed on stable financial footing—a remarkable feat every year without funding equity.
The board eagerly welcomed back David Dickey, an exemplary corporate, civic and community leader, as board member and Treasurer and added a new member, Paul Greenwood, a visionary and accomplished educator with deep experience leading organizational growth. We honored Barnett Helzberg at graduation as Emeritus Board Member after 21 years of board service. In the words of UA Alum, Myron Oates, “Mr. Helzberg was a champion of my cause.”
Thank you to all of the students, families, faculty, administration, board members and supporters who are champions of UA and “stay encouraged as bigger things are coming and we have to be prepared.”
With gratitude,
Katie Kwo Gerson
Chairman of the UA School Board
