As the group socialized with their co-workers around 8 a.m. in the commons, it was time for catching up on summer news from friends and meeting a few dozen new faces with breakfast provided by the administration.

After employees signed in, they assembled in the auditorium for a welcome by Al Bishop, assistant superintendent for personnel and support services, and an opening prayer by Intermediate School teacher Mamie Hall, then the presentation of colors by the NJROTC Color Guard, directed by Ann English, and pledges to both flags.

Director of music Tom English then led 70 members of the Pirate band in the national anthem, "On Line," and the school fight song before Bishop's introduction of the attending school board members and Rev. Duane Hoxworth.

Director of Finance Charles Langlotz followed with an update on the district's budget, saying "The past is the past; we need to look to the future" as he detailed the upcoming tax rate and bond election Nov. 4 with a 13 cents increase designed to generate enough revenue to enhance salaries and employee health benefits, and increase maintenance, repairs, and technology.

"With your help, we can do better and thus receive more funding," he said. "Thanks for your cooperation and stewardship, for all you've done and what you'll do being part of Team La Vega in making excellence a tradition."

Superintendent Dr. Sharon Shields subsequently gave her address on LVISD, introducing the Board of Trustees (including 30-year member Phil Bancale), the Executive Team, the directors, and the principals via Powerpoint before having the new and returning employees stand, noting that a couple people remained seated.

Next up were a few TAKS charts showing where the district was above the state average (English, writing, and Social Studies) and below (math and science) and strategies to improve student performance.

"We must identify strategies to motivate our students to actively participate in the learning process,"she said. "Teachers make the difference, and administrators must provide the resources; we have to step up to the plate."

Dr. Shields congratulated LV Elementary for its third straight exemplary rating and had its staff gather for a photograph followed by closing slides on past bond elections in 1999 and 2004 along with the needs for the upcoming vote.

Bishop then closed the convocation with various announcements about further meetings/locations and message along with an educational slide show "Lesson from Geese" and quotation from Tootie Bird.

"I join the board in asking 'How will that help the children?' in our decisions. There are no unimportant people or jobs in LVISD, and we're not going to fail because that's not an option," he said. "Successful teams go over, around, under, and sometimes through obstacles; ask yourself how you can be a better teammate and give others a pat on the back. We will be successful."