I, Tom D. Bledsoe, Sr., believe that my role as an educational leader is to build a vital community of learning to prepare young people for the future while not neglecting the present. I also believe that an atmosphere of caring and trust is essential to having such a learning community that teaches the skills and nurtures the student's healthy development physically, mentally and emotionally so that he/she becomes a competent, contributing, caring member of society.

The focus on academic excellence begins with the premise that all children can learn. Children learn best when barriers are removed and their individual needs are addressed. It takes a team, a partnership between the school and the home and the community to make this a reality. I pledge to cultivate such a collaborative effort between the school, the home and the greater community.

I am committed to a democratic-facilitative style of leadership. Therefore, I envision that all stakeholders -- students, teachers, parents, and the community – will not only have meaningful contributions to make to the educational mission, but that each person will become a valued participant on the shared leadership team.