Fort Zumwalt School District
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Kindergarten is a busy place. Emge Elementary teacher Mandy Volkmar explains to her Kindergarteners that everyone’s a writer during their second week of school. “You can tell a WOW story,” she said to the 5-year-olds, who sat one per square on the carpet waiting for directions. “Even though you might not be able to spell a lot of words yet.” The method empowers young students to draw their story, by first focusing on one thing, then adding layers of details such as colors and labels. Wondering about enrollment for 2025? Bookmark go.FZSD.us/Kindergarten and set a reminder for January.
Be a part of the process. Complete the Community Input Form now. Form Closes Friday, Oct. 4.
Fort Zumwalt Superintendent Dr. Paul Myers has announced his retirement, effective at the end of this school year. Myers, in his second year as superintendent, has guided the district through a unique time. He was the district’s first new superintendent in 38 years and took the helm as the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) assigned the task of researching, writing and implementing a new Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Together with the Board of Education, Myers’ focus has been the mission, vision and goals set forth in this guiding document.
“Our mission will remain the same, we’ve worked really hard to develop the CSIP and keep the focus of our future going that way,” says Erica Powers, President of the FZSD Board of Education. “The person who fills Paul's shoes will have to be ready to help us keep growing and expanding and be sure that everything is running the way that it should.” Read Dr. Myers Letter
The Board of Education heard a construction update after the completion of summer projects. Plans have been approved for the new Transportation Center to be constructed north of I-70 near Iffrig and Salt River Roads. The opening of that new facility in early 2026 will free up property next to North High, where the district plans to construct the swimming pool. Read more about upgrades
During welcome back activities for all Fort Zumwalt Staff, Superintendent Dr. Paul Myers outlined the priority work this school year to help the district move forward in its Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
Safety remains top of mind. An audit of all of our schools was conducted last year and, this year, district leaders are researching strategies used around the region to inform plans for improved security measures.
FZSD is one of the highest achieving large districts in the state, but remains focused on continued growth with all students. Work this year is focused on providing layers of support for students beginning at the earliest ages to help them strengthen lagging skills and to equip them with strategies for when they face obstacles in the future.
Finally, streamlining our processes and updating our systems allows the district to provide the level of service our community expects while maximizing what we get out of each dollar spent. This is important as we work to overcome staffing shortages by offering competitive pay. That helps us retain and recruit highly qualified staff in all categories.
“When you look at the work outlined in the CSIP, it is all connected,” Myers says. “Improvements in one area make it possible for us then to move forward in another, for instance competitive pay. When we can find savings in other areas, we can work with what we already have.”
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Local revenue is the most reliable source of funds for Fort Zumwalt School District. About 68% of FZSD revenue comes from local sources. These include property tax and personal property tax. They come to the district from residents and business owners and are not connected to the state. At the September meeting, the Board of Education set the total tax levy for the coming year at $4.23 per $100 of assessed valuation. About 27% of FZSD's budget comes from the state. These funds are a part of the district's regular revenue streams and are factored into the budget for each fiscal year. The state can withhold these funds to meet its constitutional obligation to have a balanced budget.
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Senior Passes are available. Residents older than 55 can pick-up a Senior Pass to Fort Zumwalt activities at our District Office. You will have to show ID to prove you qualify. Passes are good for many events at Fort Zumwalt high schools. Not good for Tournaments or MSHSAA postseason play.