As the new Superintendent of the Lakeside Union School District it is a great honor to serve you on behalf of the Board of Trustees. My approach to education can best be described by the Japanese word "kaizen" which can be translated as a 'dedication to continuous improvement'. As a prior superintendent of Julian Union High School District and South Pasadena Unified School District and as an Apple Executive, I know what it takes to lead a district to reach its fullest potential.

My vision is that Lakeside schools will continue to rank among the highest performing schools in our County and State. I am aware that we must continuously improve teaching and learning in our District so we will prepare our students for an increasingly competitive global economy. Only by aligning the efforts of our Board of Trustees, staff, parents, community, and students can we provide such added value to our students' potential. We face great challenges of dwindling resources and increased performance expectations, but we will not allow these challenges to take us away from focusing on aligning our efforts. In Lakeside I find great energy, expertise, and the willingness to work hard. Our teachers, classified-staff and administrators have already proven themselves to be among the best. By synergizing these attributes toward continually improving our public education system, we will not only overcome the challenges we face, we will thrive.

My predecessor, Dr. Steve Halfaker, has worked diligently with the board and the community building a successful district. I too look forward to guiding the collaboration among the entire school community that will be needed for the adding to an already successful system. Some challenges will require understanding, insight, and innovative use of our resources. I am extremely confident that Lakeside will continue its tradition in leading the educational community. In addition to this, I am looking forward to moving to the East County and embracing the community in my daily living.

Together we will face these situations and align our efforts to improve our District systems in ways that continue to nurture every aspect of a child's educational development. Academics, vocational and social skills necessary for personal fulfillment, arts, sciences, ethical behavior training and athletics are all part of our District's approach. And, as stated in my welcoming statement, "We are innovative leaders in curriculum and assessment and are supported by strong community partners. Together, we strive to help our students become life-long learners." This is not something the District can do alone, but together with the entire school community we will.

Yours truly,

Brian E. Bristol, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Lakeside Union School District