“It’s not right for our kids. They deserve better.”
Guthrie Public Schools Superintendent Mike Simpson.
Those were some of the words first-year Guthrie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson told the district wide faculty and support staff members inside the Guthrie Junior High auditorium for the annual Guthrie Public Schools in-service meeting Tuesday morning.
Simpson conducted the meeting, which is generally held inside the high school, spoke about changes since 1980. He used a variety of examples of how modern technology has advanced and that society either has or has not adapted.
Perhaps, the 80-year plus old junior high building was on display as an example of not adapting to the times with signs of continued deterioration inside the aging building.
Simpson spoke about changes he is hoping to make, including a bond proposal sometime in the future. Something the district has not seen since 2005.
Simpson, who was interrupted on different occasions with applause and cheers, told staff members “it is not going to be easy” and “we are in this together.”
The superintendent did not display a plan in dollars or new buildings, but focused on the attitude toward the future of the school district and how it can change. He shared three items that he hopes will support his plan: develop a long-range plan for funding facilities, infrastructure and needs, reconnect the district with the community past Friday nights – alluding to the Guthrie football program’s strong presence known throughout the community and state, and communication with the community.
Simpson said they will use the “4 C’s” to achieve their goal: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity and innovation.
“Today starts a new day for this district,” Simpson added.
Along with Simpson, principals from each school introduced their new teachers and staff at their buildings and District Teacher of the Year Melanie Ball spoke to the packed auditorium.
The high school will see several new faces with numerous changes taking place in teacher personnel. Simpson added, that the multitude of changes at the school is a sign of “opportunity.”
School is set to begin Friday, August 17.
Doesn’t that make you feel hopeful and excited about what is to come for our children and our community!?! There seems to be a growing sense of community in Guthrie, and it can only be a good thing for everyone! All of you complainers and nay-sayers need to just sit down and be quiet! Guthrie is entering a new phase of positivism and productivity, we don’t have to be ruled by those few who decry every effort to build and move forward, saying it can’t be done…it is time to make changes and show what CAN BE DONE!!!!
Get involved, Guthrie! Be a community! Embrace the treasure that we are! Find a place to contribute your efforts, and get to it!!!
Football is fine and fun, but academics is the cornerstone. Appreciation for excellence in our top students academically should be raised to a higher level than sports.
I agree. As a teacher myself, it is sad to me that Guthrie spends so much money on its football program and yet the district is seriously lacking in the technology available to teachers. The children’s reading and math scores do not lie and are proof that the district has seriously dropped the ball on our children’s education. As a parent, that is very scary. I love Bluejay football but it is time to decide where our priorities should be. Hopefully, our new superintendent will make the changes needed to make our students successful.
Just so THAT rumor does not spread – Guthrie Football receives a majority of their needs through a successful Booster Club and private donations. Luckily, the Booster Club is able to do things for the program.
Please support the idea where the school has put money into football ahead of education that differs from any other school.
When you see a bunch of brand-new, nice looking helmets this season – PLEASE NOTE they were donated by a very generous private donation and NOT school funds.
I’m not a fan of GPS, but I find a lot of people pointing fingers and not a whole lot of folks willing to stand up to make our schools better. We, as parents, teachers, alumni, and/or community members, all have a role to play in the education of the children of Guthrie. I’m not saying the school system holds no fault, but if WE want better schools, WE need to get involved, and be prepared to foot the bill. If you aren’t involved or making a difference, then there is no room to complain!
http://ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/FedProg-TitleISESGuidance.pdf
More resources for our students!