On behalf of the Board of Education, I am pleased to welcome parents, students and staff to the 2016-2017 school year. This has been a busy summer, with more than 1,500 students enrolled in programs such as the Summer Academy of the Arts, academic support and science research.
Over the summer, we upgraded our network and internet infrastructure, and under the state's Smart Schools Bond Act, we will be implementing a comprehensive infusion of technology into our classrooms. In the new school year, we will be adding courses such as AP Computer Science and Music Theory at our high school. We will also be providing our students with enhanced learning spaces, such as a new science lab at Dodd and a new media arts classroom at Freeport High School.
As a Board, our priority is to provide our children with the very best educational opportunities possible while keeping in mind the needs of our taxpayers. We are especially pleased that, for the second year in a row and for the fourth time in nine years, we have been able to bring a school budget with a decrease in the tax levy. Our Standard & Poor's bond rating continues to be AA, which is among the highest of all school districts in the state.
Dr. Kuncham continues to lead our district to new heights. We are proud of our schools and we understand how critical it is for our children to have access to the outstanding education they need and deserve. Our teachers and administrators are highly competent, caring professionals who are committed to serving all of our children.
As Board members, we are also community members. We have a deep understanding of the needs of our children and the value our families place on their children's education and their hopes and dreams for their futures. This awareness guides our work throughout the year. I invite parents and all of our community members to attend our Board meetings, introduce yourselves to us and share your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you at the many concerts, sporting events and other activities during the school year.