In January, in this column and through district email, I described the financial problems ahead for not only our district but also the state. On Monday night I presented the facts to the Board of Education detailing where we are financially, how we got there and also how we can weather what I’ve called the […]
Recently, we have experienced some threats to student safety. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon throughout the United States and I wanted to provide some understanding to the community about what we do when these events occur and how you can assist us in making our schools safer. While the most recent threats have been confined […]
I don’t like to deliver bad news. Unfortunately, there are times where my job requires me to convey information that is less than encouraging. Following that delivery, I always want to find a “silver lining” in the cloud we are under.
It is hard as a parent or educator to see the recent tragedies that have unfolded in France or even closer to home in Stillwater without wondering why. I can still remember the events of April 19, 1995, when tragedy touched our state in such a colossal way.
On the eve of parent-teacher conferences, I’m reminded of the complete triangle that forms a successful educational environment. The three members of the triangle are the teacher, parent and of course the student.
We’ve had a very smooth start to our school year at GPS. Our teachers and staff are hard at work every day working with our students to assist them in reaching beyond what they perceive to be their potential.
In a few days, we will begin another school year. This will begin my 24th year in education and my 4th year as your Superintendent of Schools.
Our family was fortunate to enjoy a quiet vacation this summer with our kids and one set of grandparents. It was in many ways a Mayberry meets Norman Rockwell type of outing in cabins at one of our state parks. It was the type of vacation I remember from my childhood with a serene Western […]
A funny thing happened on May 12th. The town that had become infamous statewide for the multiple bond issue failures said ‘ENOUGH’. Yes, the town whose “Main Street” is called Division, came together for the better good of the community. Many of you will recall that is the day of the bond election in the […]
I began comparing our community and school district to others long before my family even moved to Guthrie. In fact, I researched Guthrie and our peer districts long before I applied for the job as Superintendent. What I found in the research was a school district with remarkable success in athletics and a community with potential […]
I want to begin with a disclaimer for this column. Many of you know I am a Stillwater native and truly an OSU Aggie. Yes, that is right, my allegiance runs so deep it stretches beyond Cowboy to Aggie. Despite this enthusiasm, I am happy with the actions of University of Oklahoma President David Boren […]
“Don’t try this at home.” Those are the words of warning I remember when watching the Wide World of Sports as a youngster. The occasion was Evil Knievel attempting to jump another expanse of something on his motorcycle. We were warned but what did we do when we went outside with our bikes…yes that’s right. […]
On Wednesday Guthrie Public Schools will start the first day of classes. I love this time of year because it signals new beginnings for many families. Students may be starting school, beginning Junior High or High School. Each progression signals a milestone in the lives of students and the families who support them. Many students […]
Last Friday we celebrated the hard work of 213 very special people. The Guthrie High School Class of 2014 was front and center at “The Rock” where many have gone before them.
What was significant about March 31, 2014? The answer is nothing yet but let’s wait and see. Many school districts closed on that day so their teachers, parents and students could attend a rally in support of public education at the state capitol that morning.
I am by nature a problem solver. I have always looked for ways to make things better regardless of what position I held in my career. Occasionally, I have tried solutions that some would term “outside the box” or “unique” or even somewhat risky for a typical educator. Because of my problem solving nature, nothing […]
How about those Bluejays??? Congratulations to our football team for closing out the season in grand fashion; undefeated and clearly the best team in class 5A this year. It takes so many people to make a successful program and as a former coach, the most gratifying aspect of this season was watching the young men […]
I recently read an article entitled, “10 Business Ideas that Immediately Crashed and Burned.” I know what you are thinking…Why is an educator reading about business strategy?
Well, the busses are running (mostly on time) and the viaduct is open once again. We have had a great start to the school year and I can’t wait for the Gentlemen of the Road Tour! This month I want to address an area that seems to be a buzzword for many—transparency.
Last week I wrote about my desire to help local school boards save money for infrastructure needs while avoiding debt and property tax increases. House District 31’s rapid growth and corresponding increase in property tax collections continue to provide area school districts with new resources. Districts should be allowed to set aside some of these […]
