FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

In a little more than a week, Duluth public schools will officially begin the 2012-2013 school year. Superintendent Bill Gronseth said he's looking forward to opening two new middle schools and continuing to build a stronger relationship between the district and the community.

This year will be the first full school year for Gronseth as superintendent.
He says he's excited and ready for positive change.

"This year for us is going to be a year of public communication - of discussion - setting goals, getting values and finding some guiding principles that will help the schools to more closely reflect the values and benefits of the community," Gronseth said.

Most of the schools open Sept. 6, with Congdon Park (at Woodland) opening Sept. 7, and the new Lincoln Park and Ordean East middle schools to open on the 10th.
Gronseth says his educators are not only preparing for a smooth transition for students on the first day, but also for higher success.

"A lot of our teachers and administrators have been busy making plans for improvement over the years, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to raise student achievement," Gronseth said.

Also to note, on Sept. 16, there will be public open houses at all of the schools.