Dr. Steven Craft Invested and Committeed - Featured in the Dalton Daily Citizen - Dr. Craft Answers: What progress has DPS made in the last year, and what progress are you looing forward to seeing in the future? The DPS logo at the bottom

Over the past year, Dalton Public Schools has experienced tremendous growth and transformation. As we continue to evolve, one of our top priorities has been strengthening our connection to the community. Whether it’s through fostering deeper relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, or individual families, we are dedicated to building a united and supportive environment for all.

One key element of this effort has been our focus on continued partnership and guidance from our Superintendent Advisory Councils, which provide students, parents, and teachers with a platform to share their voices and contribute to meaningful conversations about our district’s future. Additionally, our Diversity Committee remains a critical part of ensuring that we are cultivating an inclusive environment that reflects the rich diversity of Dalton. Through these initiatives, we are engaging in honest, open dialogue that helps shape our district's vision and priorities.

As part of our broader efforts to support our families and enhance communication, we have also redesigned our district website to be more user-friendly and accessible. Along with this, we’re introducing a new communications tool to improve the speed and clarity of our outreach, ensuring that every family feels informed, supported, and engaged.

This year also marks an exciting evolution of our district’s identity. After years of standing behind The Dalton Difference as our overall brand, we are now embracing a new vision of unity. As a district, we are focused on working together as one team, building on our strengths, and leading with both purpose and heart. This is more than just a new slogan—it is a reflection of the collaborative spirit that drives us forward.

Looking to the future, I am incredibly excited about the Dalton Reads! initiative, a bold step toward ensuring literacy proficiency for all students. Our teachers and administrators have engaged in robust professional development to learn the most current, research-based approaches to literacy instruction. This initiative, launched district-wide in August, is already showing promising results, and I couldn’t be prouder of how our educators and students have embraced this opportunity. Together, we are building a foundation that will impact our students for years to come.

As we move ahead, the strength of our district lies in the partnerships and collaborations that continue to grow throughout our community. I am confident that we will keep progressing, united in our mission to provide every student with the tools they need for success. Together, we are shaping a bright future for Dalton Public Schools—one that is grounded in purpose, driven by heart, and filled with promise.