By Quinn O’Hara

The USD 379 Board of Education recently voted to give final approval to purchase and implement the Leader in Me program, not to exceed $320,000, from ESSR III funds.

In a press release, USD 379 Superintendent Brett Nelson stated that, “this transformative initiative is designed to equip students with essential leadership and life skills, fostering a culture of empowerment and excellence.”

According to the release, Leader In Me will help the District develop leadership skills, responsibility, accountability, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence within their students. The program focuses on seven ways to achieve that goal: holistic development, academic achievement, a positive school culture, future-ready skills, empowering educators, and community engagement.

The release states that USD 379 is, “committed to providing our students with the best possible education and preparing them for a successful future.” Adding that, “The implementation of the Leader In Me program is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”