2022 Garden Party: Informative and Entertaining
Carol Gardiner and Sabrina Glidden | Published on 9/23/2022
The League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County
* Garden Party 2022 *
Keynote Speaker: Jim Williams, President of the Muncie Community School Board
Jim Walker speaks to the audience at the 2022 Garden Party, League of Women
Voters of Muncie-Delaware County at the home of Tom and Carol Gardiner.
Photographer: Carol Gardiner, September 9, 2022.
The annual Garden Party was held Friday, September 9th, with about fifty people in attendance.
Food, wine and good company were enjoyed and an informative and entertaining speech was delivered by James Williams, a lawyer, former judge, and President of the Muncie Community School Board.
Mr. Williams talked about progress and challenges of the school system. Literacy levels continue to
drop, and he explained that if a student isn't reading at grade level by the end of third grade, they can be expected to remain behind as students the remainder of their school years. To remedy some of the challenges students and families face, the Muncie Community Schools - Ball State University Partnership has implemented their program Placing Learners First. A packet including the "Pillars of Focus & Foundational Principles" can be downloaded, here.
One of the key factors for student success is the development and retention of highly competent teachers and leaders at every level. Williams explained how student learning is maximized through engaging curriculum, positive mentorship, and valuable collaborations within the city." Hoping for increased future community involvement of citizens, he welcomes retired teachers to become involved in substitute teaching and literacy programs.
Mr. Williams has provided the contents of his presentation in document format for readers. Another option is to watch presentation video in which he spoke before the MCS School Board on September 28, 2021, below.
Jim Williams, MCS School Board President
Interested persons may apply to become a substitute teacher at MCS, here.