All parents, could I please see a show of hands? Thank you. Drop your hands. I would like to
personally thank the each of you for coming. Look at the support. My topic tonight is Children are the
future. Even if they don’t like it. Think of them as young adults. Ask them what they need. But watch
out! They will watch you closely because this asking them is unexpected.
Imagine! Three young adults involved in a small mishap. Two are standing and one is lying flat on the
ground bleeding. Which one would you attend first? This is not a trick question. The most of you would
go directly to the down child and the rest would have someone first call 911. This does not mean you
care more for one than the others. You deal with the most pressing problems first. Turns out the two
beat the crap out of the third.
What does this have to do with this district’s foreseeable future? I see an opportunity. Of the faculty
and students I expect no less than excellence. The administration, however, will be held to a slightly
higher standard. The difference between a goal and dream is a plan.
The young make decisions. Not always good decisions. Adults help young adults in their choices. The
challenge is the development of these future leaders. The students’ success is the report card for the
school district. Don’t hold them back by dividing them or abusing them. Abuse means not providing for
their physical and emotional security.
Will you let centralized rules defeat you. Listen to those involved both young and the not so young.
The rules are coming from our elected representatives. I dare say they did not ask us what we
needed . We are not responsible for the rules but they are the rules. It’s life. You are my extended
family. I cannot help that you live on the wrong side of the creek. This district has an opportunity. Part
of the solution may be busing. A bus is not abuse. Busing, for those coming to Timbo or to Rural
Special from Mountain View, will not bother the students. I have a story about the subways of New
York City but in the interest of time. The short version is sometimes you have to make a connection to
get where your going.
Use technology, connect the campuses electronically. Apply for a grant to study the advantages of
technology in the 21st century. You can do some amazing things with virtual, remote, or distance
learning. Offer that choice to the young adults. This is an open system. You take everyone as they are
and do the best you can. A public comprehensive school is not the only structure available.You asked
for this school district and these people are here to help. Don’t hold those back that would move at a
faster pace. How many people does this district graduate ahead of schedule? Teach to excellence.
Everyone can not to be a rocket scientist nor do they want to but each part of this family is essential.
The most important person is the one who picks up the trash. Without them life would be very sticky.
Today is the start of next twenty years. If you define this opportunity as supporting the biggest school,
then call (870) 425-1215 and tell Mountain Home you are ready to join. May 1 is the deadline for
applications. I don’t think so! This is for the distract and these people are here to help. Develop a plan
yesterday. You have a year to practice, adjust and refine it. Failure is not the goal. If all else fails, ask
the young adult if the extra distance will keep them from attaining their choices. This is about the
young adults.
1)Ask the young adults what they need. Provide it.
2)Prioritize your work. And work together.
3)There will be unpleasant things in life. Deal with them.
4)LEARNS is the rules of the current game. It is over140 pages. Know the rules. Bend but don’t break
them.
5) “Do all other things necessary and lawful for the conduct of an efficient free public school” in this
school district.