This is typically an awesome week for most of us. We're surrounded by family. We have plenty (too much) to eat. We play games. We laugh. We express gratitude for all we have. We go to church. We drink hot chocolate. We sleep in warm houses. We open too many presents. We are lucky.
As we head into "Christmas Week," I just want everyone to remember that it's NOT a Merry Christmas for all. For way too many, December 25th is just another cruel reminder that they're struggling with very little "hope," if any, at all.
It hurts for me to think that too many of my students won't be helping grandma bake cookies. They won't be sipping hot chocolate with the awesome, little marshmallows while playing board games near a fire. They won't be unwrapping "too many" presents, and maybe not any at all. They won't be sleeping in while in a warm house. They won't enjoy a large and delicious Christmas meal, with leftovers for days. Heck, some of them may not eat at all on Christmas Day.
I don't write about this to bring anyone down. I write about it just to bring some real-life awareness to this issue. I never ask any student what their "favorite Christmas gift was" because some won't get any at all. I also know that too many of our students are dreading Christmas Break. Once our break begins on Wednesday at 2:00, we won't be back in session for 14 full days when we open up again at 8:00 AM on Thursday, January 5th. Too many of our students won't have enough to eat over the next two weeks. They will be in cold apartments and houses. They will be looking forward to January 5th like you can't believe.
If you can, see what you can do to help a student or family in need. We work with lots of different groups and individuals to provide "holiday meals," jackets, games, clothes, and small toys to families we know that need a helping hand. Some students are embarrassed about this so we just drop these things off at their house while they're in school.
I don't want anyone to feel guilty about all you have. I just want you to think about helping others that might not be so fortunate. If you get a lot of new clothes, boots, shoes, etc. this week, consider donating some of your older items to kids that aren't so lucky.
I believe in "HOPE" and I think it is the #1 factor in a child's future success. If a child has "hope" that they can achieve greatness, that they can graduate, that they can become a productive citizen, become an entrepreneur, become a business owner, a fork-lift driver, a farmer, a teacher, a nurse, an electrician, a plumber, whatever.....they can do it. You have to believe it to achieve it and that is where we can all help instill "hope" in others.
Make kids smile. Tell them they can "do it." Help them see that everyone has adversity, everyone has things they wish they could change, and that everyone who works hard can have a bright future.
Have a Merry Christmas and try to help those that won't.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Inspired by our Students
At last night's board meeting, we were lucky enough to have Mrs. Jane Brogan and her Mock Trial Team tell us about their undefeated season and 3rd place finish in state. They even modeled some of their closing arguments, witness redirects, and so on. It was fascinating. I sat there in awe as these kids are just simply amazing. They are such wonderful representatives of their families, our school, and our community. Many of these kids are not only leaders within the Mock Trial Program but also integral parts of our State Champion One-Act Program. They're leaders within golf, tennis, and basketball too. Oh yeah, they make outstanding grades and treat others the way they wish to be treated. They're amazing and I'm glad they're York Dukes.
Everywhere I look, I'm inspired by our students. I got to see an 11th grade JV basketball player make his first basket of the season this past Saturday. The sheer joy on his face and the excited body language he had made my whole weekend.
Last week, I was able to judge some senior portfolios for Ms. Holder's class. I was able to see four great presentations that were all different but all well done. Visiting with each of those students about their plans past high school was so fun. They have lots of energy and enthusiasm to carry out into the "real world."
I've gained inspiration from my students in our After-School Fantasy Football Club at York Middle School. Their creativity and wit and acceptance of each other has been so fun to see.
I always gain inspiration from interacting with our special needs students. Whether I spend some time with them at lunch, visit with them about their recycling jobs, or walk through their classrooms, they are always so proud to show what they're doing. If everyone had their enthusiasm and kind hearts, the world would be a much better place!
Students at York Elementary make me smile just because of their energy level and willingness to learn new things, try new things, and be kind to their classmates in all kinds of situations.
I usually get to visit two to three times a month with one of our students who is having major emotional/psychological issues. I pray for him and his family. I try to make him smile as much as I can. He inspires me because of the battles he faces. Many of us have no idea some of the issues many of our young people are dealing with.
Being around outstanding students is truly inspirational. I will always defend our students and young people. They may spend lots of time on their devices. They might listen to cruddy music. They may not do things the way my generation did them. But, today's young people are amazing.
I really do consider it a blessing to go to work each day in this profession of public education. Our students deserve all of the support, admiration, and guidance we can provide for them.
Everywhere I look, I'm inspired by our students. I got to see an 11th grade JV basketball player make his first basket of the season this past Saturday. The sheer joy on his face and the excited body language he had made my whole weekend.
Last week, I was able to judge some senior portfolios for Ms. Holder's class. I was able to see four great presentations that were all different but all well done. Visiting with each of those students about their plans past high school was so fun. They have lots of energy and enthusiasm to carry out into the "real world."
I've gained inspiration from my students in our After-School Fantasy Football Club at York Middle School. Their creativity and wit and acceptance of each other has been so fun to see.
I always gain inspiration from interacting with our special needs students. Whether I spend some time with them at lunch, visit with them about their recycling jobs, or walk through their classrooms, they are always so proud to show what they're doing. If everyone had their enthusiasm and kind hearts, the world would be a much better place!
Students at York Elementary make me smile just because of their energy level and willingness to learn new things, try new things, and be kind to their classmates in all kinds of situations.
I usually get to visit two to three times a month with one of our students who is having major emotional/psychological issues. I pray for him and his family. I try to make him smile as much as I can. He inspires me because of the battles he faces. Many of us have no idea some of the issues many of our young people are dealing with.
Being around outstanding students is truly inspirational. I will always defend our students and young people. They may spend lots of time on their devices. They might listen to cruddy music. They may not do things the way my generation did them. But, today's young people are amazing.
I really do consider it a blessing to go to work each day in this profession of public education. Our students deserve all of the support, admiration, and guidance we can provide for them.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Public Education (as we know it) is Under Attack
First off, this article will talk a lot about the importance of public education. This is in no way a knock against St. Joseph’s Catholic or Emmanuel Faith Lutheran as we have a tremendous working relationship with them and admire and respect what they do and how they do it. I’m writing this piece as someone who loves Nebraska. This is more about the state landscape than just 17-county but make no mistake, it has an impact on every small town in the Cornhusker State.
This article is about putting all of the cards on the table and calling a spade a spade. Public education is under attack in Nebraska. Public education is under attack in the United States. Public education is worth fighting for.
Emanuele Corso wrote in his October 4th blog that “the foundational conception of public education is neither capitalism nor socialism, it is not about Republicans or Democrats, and never has been, before now, about profit. Public education has always been about the development of each child as an individual to the fullest extent of their abilities for the ultimate benefit of society.” However, a few folks seem keenly interested in changing this ideal.
This is about more than the money and the property tax relief we desperately want to provide our patrons. We’re still working at it, believe me, but it is extremely frustrating, to say the least. We’re down to just $225,000 in state equalization aid. We received over $3.7 million a few years ago. We predict we won’t receive any state equalization aid by 2019.
You see, we live in a time right now where not only are we not receiving the funding that we need (that forces an overreliance on local property taxes) but we’re having salt put in the wound by some politicians, think tanks, and organizations that want to push for charter schools, vouchers, and other mechanisms that they promote as “school choice” when, in many instances, they surely mean “for profit” or “exclusive.”
Many of these “school choice advocates” have never stepped foot in a public school. If we’re being perfectly honest, many of them simply don’t want their kids to go to school with “those public school kids.” They do want, in many instances, however, to take public funds away from already under-funded public schools and use that for “special schools” or “exempted tax credits” that don’t have the accountability and same rules to follow that we do. They don’t want to have to accept the $150,000 a year Special Education student. They don’t want to deal with the students and families with emotional disorders. They want the funding and support but none of the responsibility the rest of us have. That’s just plain wrong.
Perhaps these folks are excited about the school funding nightmare. Perhaps they applaud that state aid to schools in 2016-17 increased just .6% over 2015-16. Perhaps they look forward to more flat-line budgets and cuts. Perhaps they support unfunded mandates and the fact that public schools have to do more today than ever before. It seems as if they’re openly rooting for us to fail. Well, they don’t know Nebraska public educators like I do.
Public education is not perfect. We are always a “work in progress.” We have some under-performing employees just like hospitals, restaurants, construction companies, law offices, manufacturing plants, and all other walks of life. We have places across the board to improve in. Just like everyone else. We also have some of the most dynamic professionals you could ever hope to run into.
Public education is often the most important economic development initiative in our communities. We’re often the hub of our communities. Yes, we need to close achievement gaps across numerous disaggregated subgroups. Yes, we need to provide more early childhood offerings for our youngest learners. Yes, we need to increase the number of school-to-career opportunities for our students. Yes, we need money and political support to do so.
Nebraska’s public schools are also doing pretty doggone good! We have one of the highest average ACT scores in the nation for the 17 states that have 80% or more of their students taking it. We have one of the top high school graduation rates in the country. Our young Nebraskans in public schools also excel on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments and perform well above national averages across the board.
Public education is a big business. But, we’re different too. We can’t suspend the night shift when the economy slows down. We can’t close early. We can’t reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. We can’t go to our 1st graders and tell them that due to the economic forecast we won’t be able to teach them how to read or subtract this year. We’re different than Corporate America or even the private sector up and down Main Street all across Nebraska towns.
We live in a time where everyone wants “change.” It’s trendy to want something new, something different than the past. Public schools are CHANGE and we are NEW. We’ve changed so much in the last 15 years, it is unbelievable. Many of us provide programming for 10-11 hours a day. We provide summer offerings. We provide new work certification programming, college credit courses, job shadowing, and more. We offer new opportunities in early childhood, high ability learning, and STEM initiatives. Don’t turn your back on public education because you want “change” and something “new.” That’s who we are and that’s what we do, for ALL students in ALL communities.
We also live in a time where many people in shiny suits like to blame public schools for the state’s property tax crisis. They have mastered half-truths and distorted data. It seems to be part of the larger plan to discredit public education, to play the “blame game,” and open the door for “new opportunities.” It’s a downright shame.
Statewide data from the Department of Education’s website shows us that Nebraska now has over 307,000 public school students. Around 45% of them are living in poverty as they qualify for free/reduced school meals. This has increased by more than 10% since 2004.
ALL of Nebraska’s children deserve our support. Please help us stand for ALL kids in ALL communities with ALL kinds of needs, talents, and issues in ALL public schools.
This article is about putting all of the cards on the table and calling a spade a spade. Public education is under attack in Nebraska. Public education is under attack in the United States. Public education is worth fighting for.
Emanuele Corso wrote in his October 4th blog that “the foundational conception of public education is neither capitalism nor socialism, it is not about Republicans or Democrats, and never has been, before now, about profit. Public education has always been about the development of each child as an individual to the fullest extent of their abilities for the ultimate benefit of society.” However, a few folks seem keenly interested in changing this ideal.
This is about more than the money and the property tax relief we desperately want to provide our patrons. We’re still working at it, believe me, but it is extremely frustrating, to say the least. We’re down to just $225,000 in state equalization aid. We received over $3.7 million a few years ago. We predict we won’t receive any state equalization aid by 2019.
You see, we live in a time right now where not only are we not receiving the funding that we need (that forces an overreliance on local property taxes) but we’re having salt put in the wound by some politicians, think tanks, and organizations that want to push for charter schools, vouchers, and other mechanisms that they promote as “school choice” when, in many instances, they surely mean “for profit” or “exclusive.”
Many of these “school choice advocates” have never stepped foot in a public school. If we’re being perfectly honest, many of them simply don’t want their kids to go to school with “those public school kids.” They do want, in many instances, however, to take public funds away from already under-funded public schools and use that for “special schools” or “exempted tax credits” that don’t have the accountability and same rules to follow that we do. They don’t want to have to accept the $150,000 a year Special Education student. They don’t want to deal with the students and families with emotional disorders. They want the funding and support but none of the responsibility the rest of us have. That’s just plain wrong.
Perhaps these folks are excited about the school funding nightmare. Perhaps they applaud that state aid to schools in 2016-17 increased just .6% over 2015-16. Perhaps they look forward to more flat-line budgets and cuts. Perhaps they support unfunded mandates and the fact that public schools have to do more today than ever before. It seems as if they’re openly rooting for us to fail. Well, they don’t know Nebraska public educators like I do.
Public education is not perfect. We are always a “work in progress.” We have some under-performing employees just like hospitals, restaurants, construction companies, law offices, manufacturing plants, and all other walks of life. We have places across the board to improve in. Just like everyone else. We also have some of the most dynamic professionals you could ever hope to run into.
Public education is often the most important economic development initiative in our communities. We’re often the hub of our communities. Yes, we need to close achievement gaps across numerous disaggregated subgroups. Yes, we need to provide more early childhood offerings for our youngest learners. Yes, we need to increase the number of school-to-career opportunities for our students. Yes, we need money and political support to do so.
Nebraska’s public schools are also doing pretty doggone good! We have one of the highest average ACT scores in the nation for the 17 states that have 80% or more of their students taking it. We have one of the top high school graduation rates in the country. Our young Nebraskans in public schools also excel on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments and perform well above national averages across the board.
Public education is a big business. But, we’re different too. We can’t suspend the night shift when the economy slows down. We can’t close early. We can’t reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. We can’t go to our 1st graders and tell them that due to the economic forecast we won’t be able to teach them how to read or subtract this year. We’re different than Corporate America or even the private sector up and down Main Street all across Nebraska towns.
We live in a time where everyone wants “change.” It’s trendy to want something new, something different than the past. Public schools are CHANGE and we are NEW. We’ve changed so much in the last 15 years, it is unbelievable. Many of us provide programming for 10-11 hours a day. We provide summer offerings. We provide new work certification programming, college credit courses, job shadowing, and more. We offer new opportunities in early childhood, high ability learning, and STEM initiatives. Don’t turn your back on public education because you want “change” and something “new.” That’s who we are and that’s what we do, for ALL students in ALL communities.
We also live in a time where many people in shiny suits like to blame public schools for the state’s property tax crisis. They have mastered half-truths and distorted data. It seems to be part of the larger plan to discredit public education, to play the “blame game,” and open the door for “new opportunities.” It’s a downright shame.
Statewide data from the Department of Education’s website shows us that Nebraska now has over 307,000 public school students. Around 45% of them are living in poverty as they qualify for free/reduced school meals. This has increased by more than 10% since 2004.
ALL of Nebraska’s children deserve our support. Please help us stand for ALL kids in ALL communities with ALL kinds of needs, talents, and issues in ALL public schools.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Quotes, Quotes, and More Quotes
I've had a hard time coming up with a topic to blog about this week so I'm just going to share some of my favorite quotes and provide a little back-story to some of them.
1) "If she was a fish, I'd use ears for bait." I love this one from Mickey Andrews down in Tallahassee. I've used this one to describe my lovely wife because she does like to talk quite a bit!
2) "I wouldn't trust him to organize a 2-car parade." I picked this one up from Stan Wilkins in Labette County, KS. It's not a compliment but over the years, I've met a few folks that fall in this category.
3) "Tougher than woodpecker lips." One of my all-time favorites and I sometimes use it to describe my beloved York Dukes. I don't remember where I first heard this but it was back in the early 90's.
4) "You're bringing a water gun to a pistol fight." Ouch...this was often used at my high school by a plethora of football coaches when they didn't feel like you were practicing with enough energy and you wouldn't be prepared for the upcoming game.
5) "Winners are like biscuits....when things heat up, they rise to the occasion." I love this classic from Coach Bobby Bowden. It makes sense in a southern kind of way!
6) "Talk doesn't cook rice." This is my favorite Chinese Proverb. We all know a lot of talkers that don't always get around to actually "doing." I try to severely limit my exposure to these kinds of folks because they drive me crazy.
7) "What you tolerate, you encourage." I often use this quip from Coach Bill Parcells. It makes a lot of sense....if you tolerate something as a leader, in essence, you're encouraging it. You have to be willing and able to step up and not tolerate even the little things that can dilute your organization's culture.
8) "It's the little fish that steal the bait." I never heard this from anyone else but it is something I came up with while in Franklin, NE as superintendent, high school principal, and cheer sponsor (don't ask). We had t-shirts made up and our theme that year was focusing on the little issues...attention to detail, etc.
9) "All winning teams have a comfortable level of discomfort." This is another one from Coach Parcells. Boy, have I found this to be true over the years. Winning teams/organizations have to be willing to have difficult and awkward conversations. We grow the most when uncomfortable.
10) "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." I love this one from Coach Pat Riley. To me, it means that we have to stay focused on what's important. We have to prioritize. We have to stay true to our core values and mission.
11) "To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." This one from Elbert Hubbard is so true. It's better to be a person of action and receive criticism than to lack the courage to do anything at all.
12) "A leader is a dealer in hope." I really like this one from Napoleon Bonaporte because I see "HOPE" as such an important ingredient for students, staff, parents, and everyone. Without "hope," we all suffer and can't reach our potential.
13) “It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” I love this one from Coach Bear Bryant. To me, this illustrates the importance of preparation and hard work. Good things happen to people that work hard.
14) "If you want to win, you can't be scared to lose." This one from Coach Jimbo Fisher really hits home. Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there and take some risks. Losses help you appreciate the wins. You have to be brave and bold at times and willing to balance risks/rewards.
15) "Teamwork is what makes common people capable of uncommon results." I love this one from Coach Pat Summitt. She was such a tremendous leader and did a wonderful job of fostering the team atmosphere.
I hope you enjoyed some of these. Have a great week.
GO DUKES!
1) "If she was a fish, I'd use ears for bait." I love this one from Mickey Andrews down in Tallahassee. I've used this one to describe my lovely wife because she does like to talk quite a bit!
2) "I wouldn't trust him to organize a 2-car parade." I picked this one up from Stan Wilkins in Labette County, KS. It's not a compliment but over the years, I've met a few folks that fall in this category.
3) "Tougher than woodpecker lips." One of my all-time favorites and I sometimes use it to describe my beloved York Dukes. I don't remember where I first heard this but it was back in the early 90's.
4) "You're bringing a water gun to a pistol fight." Ouch...this was often used at my high school by a plethora of football coaches when they didn't feel like you were practicing with enough energy and you wouldn't be prepared for the upcoming game.
5) "Winners are like biscuits....when things heat up, they rise to the occasion." I love this classic from Coach Bobby Bowden. It makes sense in a southern kind of way!
6) "Talk doesn't cook rice." This is my favorite Chinese Proverb. We all know a lot of talkers that don't always get around to actually "doing." I try to severely limit my exposure to these kinds of folks because they drive me crazy.
7) "What you tolerate, you encourage." I often use this quip from Coach Bill Parcells. It makes a lot of sense....if you tolerate something as a leader, in essence, you're encouraging it. You have to be willing and able to step up and not tolerate even the little things that can dilute your organization's culture.
8) "It's the little fish that steal the bait." I never heard this from anyone else but it is something I came up with while in Franklin, NE as superintendent, high school principal, and cheer sponsor (don't ask). We had t-shirts made up and our theme that year was focusing on the little issues...attention to detail, etc.
9) "All winning teams have a comfortable level of discomfort." This is another one from Coach Parcells. Boy, have I found this to be true over the years. Winning teams/organizations have to be willing to have difficult and awkward conversations. We grow the most when uncomfortable.
10) "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." I love this one from Coach Pat Riley. To me, it means that we have to stay focused on what's important. We have to prioritize. We have to stay true to our core values and mission.
11) "To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." This one from Elbert Hubbard is so true. It's better to be a person of action and receive criticism than to lack the courage to do anything at all.
12) "A leader is a dealer in hope." I really like this one from Napoleon Bonaporte because I see "HOPE" as such an important ingredient for students, staff, parents, and everyone. Without "hope," we all suffer and can't reach our potential.
13) “It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” I love this one from Coach Bear Bryant. To me, this illustrates the importance of preparation and hard work. Good things happen to people that work hard.
14) "If you want to win, you can't be scared to lose." This one from Coach Jimbo Fisher really hits home. Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there and take some risks. Losses help you appreciate the wins. You have to be brave and bold at times and willing to balance risks/rewards.
15) "Teamwork is what makes common people capable of uncommon results." I love this one from Coach Pat Summitt. She was such a tremendous leader and did a wonderful job of fostering the team atmosphere.
I hope you enjoyed some of these. Have a great week.
GO DUKES!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
June 30, 2029
I can retire in 12.5 years! June 30, 2029 could be my last day as a public school employee. It could be. It might not be.
It blows my mind to even think of such a thing. You see, 12.5 years isn't very long. There is so much to do.
As I reflect on how much things have changed in the last 12.5 years, I can't even begin to imagine what the next 12.5 years will bring. I was 31 years old just 12.5 years ago. I will be (gulp) 56 on June 30, 2029.
In the last 12.5 years, I feel like public education has improved dramatically. We've added much more meaningful early childhood programming. We've added more dual credit opportunities in high schools. We've begun career academies and work certification programming in high schools. Before and after school programs have been added. Internships and job shadow opportunities have really ramped us as well.
What will the next 12.5 years bring? What will social media look like in 2029? How rampant will mental health issues be? Will we have more people living in poverty? Will schools be asked to do even more than we're doing now? Will school funding mechanisms change?
There are many unknowns. However, I know that I intend to enjoy the ride. I intend to work harder than ever. I intend to try to make more connections with students, staff, and patrons.
12.5 years ago, I was taking my young children to school activities and teaching Jeb and Bo how to add and subtract by using scoreboards in gyms. In 2029, I might be doing that with grandchildren!
I do look forward to June 30, 2029 but....there is much to do between now and then!
Go Dukes!
It blows my mind to even think of such a thing. You see, 12.5 years isn't very long. There is so much to do.
As I reflect on how much things have changed in the last 12.5 years, I can't even begin to imagine what the next 12.5 years will bring. I was 31 years old just 12.5 years ago. I will be (gulp) 56 on June 30, 2029.
In the last 12.5 years, I feel like public education has improved dramatically. We've added much more meaningful early childhood programming. We've added more dual credit opportunities in high schools. We've begun career academies and work certification programming in high schools. Before and after school programs have been added. Internships and job shadow opportunities have really ramped us as well.
What will the next 12.5 years bring? What will social media look like in 2029? How rampant will mental health issues be? Will we have more people living in poverty? Will schools be asked to do even more than we're doing now? Will school funding mechanisms change?
There are many unknowns. However, I know that I intend to enjoy the ride. I intend to work harder than ever. I intend to try to make more connections with students, staff, and patrons.
12.5 years ago, I was taking my young children to school activities and teaching Jeb and Bo how to add and subtract by using scoreboards in gyms. In 2029, I might be doing that with grandchildren!
I do look forward to June 30, 2029 but....there is much to do between now and then!
Go Dukes!
Monday, November 14, 2016
Education - A Wonderful Career
I'm extremely proud to be a professional educator. This is my 23rd year in public education and I wouldn't change a thing about the career I've chosen. I was lucky to spend my first four years out of college as a 3rd grade teacher and high school football and basketball coach. I loved being a teacher and a coach. It was so exciting to build relationships with students and their families. I can still vividly remember numerous days/events from those fun times between 1994-1998.
At the ripe 'ol age of 25, I began my school leadership career as a K-8 principal for USD #506 in Labette County, KS. While I was only a Bartlett Brave for two years, I learned a lot and was able to gain guidance from Rex Toomey and other school administrators that I still rely on.
In the summer of 2000, we moved to West Point, Nebraska and I was lucky enough to begin my three year stint as a K-6 principal for West Point Public Schools. It was during this time that I learned about the politics of public education, the importance of public relations, and how to deal with tough issues that could divide a staff and community. I also learned from 2000-2003 how badly I wanted to become a superintendent.
In April 2003, at the ripe ol' age of 30, I signed a contract that made me superintendent of schools in Franklin, Nebraska. We lived there for six years and enjoyed our time as Franklin Flyers. In addition to my superintendent role, over the next six years, my duties went on to expand to that as 9-12 principal, cheer sponsor, and various assistant coaching gigs. My time in Franklin taught me the importance of follow-through, enthusiasm, communication, time management, organization, and being able to make tough decisions and stand by them while taking lots of criticism.
Now, as I'm in my 8th year as superintendent of York Public Schools, I find myself reflecting quite a bit and thinking about how fast it has gone. Heck, I will be eligible to retire in 12.5 years! That's not very long. Just 12.5 years ago I was still getting acclimated in Franklin. It seems like yesterday in many ways.
I love the energy and enthusiasm that I get to see every day in this career. This past Friday, I was able to visit almost every PreK-12th grade classroom in YPS and it keeps me young. I love the hustle and bustle at YES where the students and teachers achieve so much together. I love the positive learning environment at YMS where the students show more independence and personality. I love the structure and supports in place at YHS as kids prepare for the "real world." I love the unbridled excitement at PLAY where our 3-4 year olds are learning so many new things each and every day.
I love school activities. I saw the best one-act performance of my life at 8:00 AM this past Saturday morning when YHS brought down the house with "Sweeney Todd." I was able to go watch Mock Trial crush it last Wednesday night in Lincoln. I'm excited about our upcoming Christmas concerts (vocal and band), wrestling season, basketball games, etc. Watching tennis, golf, cross country, softball, football, and volleyball this past fall was always enjoyable because I know how hard those kids and coaches work.
When you think about it, I don't know what it feels like to not start a new school year each August. I wouldn't know how to act if we didn't have a new theme or mission to shoot for the middle of every August. Education provides me with structure but flexibility. Each year has some of the same parameters but takes on its own shape too. There are always plenty of challenges. There is always a long 'to-do list' but it is work that is always worth doing.
I love learning about new cleaning products to make schools cleaner and safer. Heck, I love learning about LED lights and energy efficiency and all these things I never thought I would do. Let's talk about K-12 math curriculum. Let's talk DIBELS, NeSA, and NWEA MAPS. Let's talk about geothermal well-fields. Let's talk about interest rates for bonded indebtedness. Let's talk about special education programming, science initiatives, and school calendars. Let's talk about high ability learners, our Entrepreneurship Academy, or our after-school programs. Let's talk strategic planning, work certification programs, and health insurance. Let's talk about instructional strategies, technology integration, and disaster plans. Let's talk about bus chassis and snow removal chemicals....you see, I get to learn so much and be involved in so much that it makes the days, weeks, months, and years fly by. You're always a part of moving forward. You're always on the go. It's addicting.
I'm thankful that I was steered into a career as an educator. I've worked with so many amazing and selfless people. I've seen so many awesome students. I've gotten to witness lifelong memories. It's a true blessing to be in public education. These next 12.5 years will most likely be the most challenging of my career. Student and community needs seem to increase each year. It's the challenge and the pursuit of excellence that keeps most educators going.
If you're undecided about a career path, I highly recommend education. It's important work that allows you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and to positively impact a community.
Go Dukes!
At the ripe 'ol age of 25, I began my school leadership career as a K-8 principal for USD #506 in Labette County, KS. While I was only a Bartlett Brave for two years, I learned a lot and was able to gain guidance from Rex Toomey and other school administrators that I still rely on.
In the summer of 2000, we moved to West Point, Nebraska and I was lucky enough to begin my three year stint as a K-6 principal for West Point Public Schools. It was during this time that I learned about the politics of public education, the importance of public relations, and how to deal with tough issues that could divide a staff and community. I also learned from 2000-2003 how badly I wanted to become a superintendent.
In April 2003, at the ripe ol' age of 30, I signed a contract that made me superintendent of schools in Franklin, Nebraska. We lived there for six years and enjoyed our time as Franklin Flyers. In addition to my superintendent role, over the next six years, my duties went on to expand to that as 9-12 principal, cheer sponsor, and various assistant coaching gigs. My time in Franklin taught me the importance of follow-through, enthusiasm, communication, time management, organization, and being able to make tough decisions and stand by them while taking lots of criticism.
Now, as I'm in my 8th year as superintendent of York Public Schools, I find myself reflecting quite a bit and thinking about how fast it has gone. Heck, I will be eligible to retire in 12.5 years! That's not very long. Just 12.5 years ago I was still getting acclimated in Franklin. It seems like yesterday in many ways.
I love the energy and enthusiasm that I get to see every day in this career. This past Friday, I was able to visit almost every PreK-12th grade classroom in YPS and it keeps me young. I love the hustle and bustle at YES where the students and teachers achieve so much together. I love the positive learning environment at YMS where the students show more independence and personality. I love the structure and supports in place at YHS as kids prepare for the "real world." I love the unbridled excitement at PLAY where our 3-4 year olds are learning so many new things each and every day.
I love school activities. I saw the best one-act performance of my life at 8:00 AM this past Saturday morning when YHS brought down the house with "Sweeney Todd." I was able to go watch Mock Trial crush it last Wednesday night in Lincoln. I'm excited about our upcoming Christmas concerts (vocal and band), wrestling season, basketball games, etc. Watching tennis, golf, cross country, softball, football, and volleyball this past fall was always enjoyable because I know how hard those kids and coaches work.
When you think about it, I don't know what it feels like to not start a new school year each August. I wouldn't know how to act if we didn't have a new theme or mission to shoot for the middle of every August. Education provides me with structure but flexibility. Each year has some of the same parameters but takes on its own shape too. There are always plenty of challenges. There is always a long 'to-do list' but it is work that is always worth doing.
I love learning about new cleaning products to make schools cleaner and safer. Heck, I love learning about LED lights and energy efficiency and all these things I never thought I would do. Let's talk about K-12 math curriculum. Let's talk DIBELS, NeSA, and NWEA MAPS. Let's talk about geothermal well-fields. Let's talk about interest rates for bonded indebtedness. Let's talk about special education programming, science initiatives, and school calendars. Let's talk about high ability learners, our Entrepreneurship Academy, or our after-school programs. Let's talk strategic planning, work certification programs, and health insurance. Let's talk about instructional strategies, technology integration, and disaster plans. Let's talk about bus chassis and snow removal chemicals....you see, I get to learn so much and be involved in so much that it makes the days, weeks, months, and years fly by. You're always a part of moving forward. You're always on the go. It's addicting.
I'm thankful that I was steered into a career as an educator. I've worked with so many amazing and selfless people. I've seen so many awesome students. I've gotten to witness lifelong memories. It's a true blessing to be in public education. These next 12.5 years will most likely be the most challenging of my career. Student and community needs seem to increase each year. It's the challenge and the pursuit of excellence that keeps most educators going.
If you're undecided about a career path, I highly recommend education. It's important work that allows you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and to positively impact a community.
Go Dukes!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
It's OK to Agree to Disagree
I love disagreements. I really do. One of the leadership principles I buy into the most comes from Bill Parcells and his assumption that all winning teams and organizations need to have a "comfortable level of discomfort." I've found that to be very true throughout my career. When handled correctly, disagreements and discomfort can be wonderful tools for us all.
"When handled correctly" is the key point, however, from the paragraph above.
It seems we live in a time where disagreements define us instead of making us broaden our thinking and understanding. Today is election day and I feel like this is the most divisive national election we've ever had.
I love my wife more than anything. She and I don't always agree. In fact, we disagree on many things. I love my parents and family members with all my heart and we don't agree on everything. Why do we have this notion that we all must agree on things? It's crazy.
If I like Candidate A, that doesn't mean I can't be supportive of Candidate B if they win. It doesn't mean I "hate" Candidate B. It doesn't mean I should defame those that support Candidate B. If I vote "yes," I should still be able to understand why some folks voted "no."
You see, it's OK to disagree with others as long as you handle it with maturity and understanding. We can't go around with this mentality that we must hate, attack, and tear down those that disagree with us. That's insane. I love to talk to people that disagree with me about something. It is often fascinating to see the angles of thought they take. They don't normally change my mind but they give me something to think about. It is healthy to understand how others analyze situations differently than we do.
Social media has made this phenomenon of "hating those we disagree with" really escalate. It is so easy to sit on Twitter or Facebook and bash people that don't think just like you think. It's easy to be sarcastic, immature, and cruel when you have no face-to-face accountability. There are way too many "Internet Tough Guys" that must be so egocentric that they can't fathom someone might actually have a different thought about something than they do. How sad it would be to go through life like that.
Regardless of how local, state, and national elections turn out this week, I hope we can get back to a more civilized life of understanding others and agreeing to disagree from time to time.
"When handled correctly" is the key point, however, from the paragraph above.
It seems we live in a time where disagreements define us instead of making us broaden our thinking and understanding. Today is election day and I feel like this is the most divisive national election we've ever had.
I love my wife more than anything. She and I don't always agree. In fact, we disagree on many things. I love my parents and family members with all my heart and we don't agree on everything. Why do we have this notion that we all must agree on things? It's crazy.
If I like Candidate A, that doesn't mean I can't be supportive of Candidate B if they win. It doesn't mean I "hate" Candidate B. It doesn't mean I should defame those that support Candidate B. If I vote "yes," I should still be able to understand why some folks voted "no."
You see, it's OK to disagree with others as long as you handle it with maturity and understanding. We can't go around with this mentality that we must hate, attack, and tear down those that disagree with us. That's insane. I love to talk to people that disagree with me about something. It is often fascinating to see the angles of thought they take. They don't normally change my mind but they give me something to think about. It is healthy to understand how others analyze situations differently than we do.
Social media has made this phenomenon of "hating those we disagree with" really escalate. It is so easy to sit on Twitter or Facebook and bash people that don't think just like you think. It's easy to be sarcastic, immature, and cruel when you have no face-to-face accountability. There are way too many "Internet Tough Guys" that must be so egocentric that they can't fathom someone might actually have a different thought about something than they do. How sad it would be to go through life like that.
Regardless of how local, state, and national elections turn out this week, I hope we can get back to a more civilized life of understanding others and agreeing to disagree from time to time.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
THANKFUL
I'm thankful for many things....too many things to list in this week's blog. I find it is important to stay grounded and remind yourself of what you appreciate from time to time. If you don't, all of the negativity and drama in the world can really smack you around!
First and foremost, I'm thankful for my family. My wife and four kids mean the world to me and their safety and health are what I pray for the most. My parents, Mammy, aunts, uncles, and cousins are doing well and for that I am grateful. My in-laws and extended family are healthy and active and that is comforting.
I'm thankful to be an American. For sure, we have numerous things we need to improve as a nation but we're still an amazing country with boundless opportunities all around us.
I'm thankful to be a York Duke. This community and school system have become a big part of who I am. This is our 8th year here and I wouldn't trade those years for anywhere else.
I'm thankful to have numerous friends across the country. I don't get to see them nearly as often as I would like but texts, phone calls, and emails help keep us connected.
I'm thankful for the brave men and women, active and retired, of our armed forces. Their selflessness and courage are truly awe-inspiring.
I'm thankful for medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists. They perform high level procedures and checkups each day that I couldn't do for all of the tea in China.
I'm thankful for farmers. They feed the world often surrounded by the uncertainty of grain prices, input/output expenses, weather, and so much more.
I'm thankful for teachers and school support staff. Working in education isn't a "job." It is a "passion." There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a teacher with that "special it" working with students. They can help improve the world!
I'm thankful to be alive and to be part of this historic time in the world. Yes, there are many scary things going on as 2016 hits the home stretch but there are also amazing things going on as well. We need to be able to rationalize both ends of the spectrum.
First and foremost, I'm thankful for my family. My wife and four kids mean the world to me and their safety and health are what I pray for the most. My parents, Mammy, aunts, uncles, and cousins are doing well and for that I am grateful. My in-laws and extended family are healthy and active and that is comforting.
I'm thankful to be an American. For sure, we have numerous things we need to improve as a nation but we're still an amazing country with boundless opportunities all around us.
I'm thankful to be a York Duke. This community and school system have become a big part of who I am. This is our 8th year here and I wouldn't trade those years for anywhere else.
I'm thankful to have numerous friends across the country. I don't get to see them nearly as often as I would like but texts, phone calls, and emails help keep us connected.
I'm thankful for the brave men and women, active and retired, of our armed forces. Their selflessness and courage are truly awe-inspiring.
I'm thankful for medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists. They perform high level procedures and checkups each day that I couldn't do for all of the tea in China.
I'm thankful for farmers. They feed the world often surrounded by the uncertainty of grain prices, input/output expenses, weather, and so much more.
I'm thankful for teachers and school support staff. Working in education isn't a "job." It is a "passion." There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a teacher with that "special it" working with students. They can help improve the world!
I'm thankful to be alive and to be part of this historic time in the world. Yes, there are many scary things going on as 2016 hits the home stretch but there are also amazing things going on as well. We need to be able to rationalize both ends of the spectrum.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Bragging About York Public Schools
For this week's blog, I'm just going to brag about York Public Schools. We have many areas we need to improve in. We're always a "work in progress" but holy cow.....we've got some amazing things going on here too! This will be an incomplete list but it's a credit to the tremendous students, staff, parents, patrons, community, and board of education we have here in good ol' York, Nebraska!
The York Dukes produce some of the state’s best scores on state assessments…
--Over 87% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state reading tests
--Over 85% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state math tests
--81% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state science tests
--Last year's 6th graders had an average score of 140 on the NeSA-Math test, while the state average was 125
--Last year's 8th graders had an average score of 137 on the NeSA-Math test, while the state average was 119
--Last year's 6th graders had an average score of 147 on the NeSA-Reading test, while the state average was 111
--Last year's 8th graders had an average score of 126 on the NeSA-Reading test, while the state average was 105
The York Dukes began game-changing work certification programming at YHS in 2015 through partnerships with Central Valley Ag, Reinke Irrigation, and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA. YHS students can now earn a work certificate from NCTA in the areas of diversified agriculture, irrigation technology, and/or chemical application. We expect to have two members of Class of 2017 earn certification and 10-12 members from the Class of 2018. Workforce preparation is a main goal of YPS!
The York Dukes began a one-of-a-kind Agronomy Academy with Centennial and Seward High Schools through business partnerships with Pioneer, Syngenta, Mycogen, and Monsanto in 2013. This hands-on learning experience takes place at Monsanto and provides numerous real-life opportunities for to learn from agronomy experts.
The York Dukes collaborated with the York Chamber of Commerce, YCDC, and local banking leaders to begin an Entrepreneurship Academy for 5th-8th graders in 2015. We now partner with Gallup to conduct the StrengthsFinder and help our student-entrepreneurs reflect on their personalities and styles.
The York Dukes continue to work hand-in-hand with the City of York on facility usage agreements where we share each other’s resources. We also collaborate on 5th Grade Fitness Fun Day each May and other “Let’s Move York” initiatives in which the City has been, and continues to be, very instrumental.
The York Dukes began grant funded after-school and summer programming in 2011 and enjoy partnerships with the City of York, 4-H Extension Office, York General, and several other private businesses and volunteers to offer programming and support for our students. This program runs until 6:00 PM daily and for six continuous weeks over the summer.
The York Dukes are able to offer YHS student internships in a variety of fields due to partnerships with Truck Center Companies, York General, and other area businesses. Collaborating with our business leaders is a big part of who we are.
The York Dukes, with the help of ESU 6, began Project SEARCH in 2012 (through a partnership with York General Healthcare Facilities) as it serves as a transitional opportunity for young adults with special needs to earn employability skills as they aspire to enter the work force.
The York Dukes host one of the premiere teacher in-service days in the state each January. We expect to have over 480 educators at YHS on January 16th with nationally recognized keynote speakers and multiple breakout sessions for all PreK-12th grade educators.
The York Dukes have added "Math Counts" and "Invention Convention" teams at YES and YMS over the past few years.
The York Dukes have added Robotics Clubs at YMS and YHS over the past few years.
The York Dukes typically earn over 925 dual credits each year with courses offered at YHS. This allows our students to save time and money as they pursue education past high school.
The York Dukes offer numerous "Career Academies" to expose our YHS students to various potential careers and work environments.
The York Dukes have the ultimate "Animal Science Lab" in our high school. Come check it out sometime. It is beyond words!
The York Dukes have also added 3-D printers to our facilities to help maximize student creativity and productivity.
The York Dukes have a state-of-the-art greenhouse thanks to Mike Terpstra. We grow many vegetables in there that we sell to our food service company that we then consume within our food service programs.
The York Dukes have an amazing Birth-to-Five program through Family Foundations and Sixpence. We partner with numerous families and provide multiple services to children long before they come to kindergarten.
The York Dukes have a very robust SPED department that is able to provide many services to students in need.
The York Dukes have one of the strongest Fine Arts departments in Nebraska.
The York Dukes have one of the strongest Athletic departments in Nebraska.
The York Dukes offer many successful extra-curricular programs.
The York Dukes have a "true" middle school concept that focuses on whole child development during the 6th-8th grade years.
The York Dukes have an amazing K-5 elementary that focuses on research-based instructional techniques.
The York Dukes have a new mission statement.....Every Student. Every Day. Find a Way.
The York Dukes will continue to work hard to improve more and more. We're proud of our past and excited about our future.
GO DUKES!
The York Dukes produce some of the state’s best scores on state assessments…
--Over 87% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state reading tests
--Over 85% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state math tests
--81% of our students met/exceeded proficiency on 2016 state science tests
--Last year's 6th graders had an average score of 140 on the NeSA-Math test, while the state average was 125
--Last year's 8th graders had an average score of 137 on the NeSA-Math test, while the state average was 119
--Last year's 6th graders had an average score of 147 on the NeSA-Reading test, while the state average was 111
--Last year's 8th graders had an average score of 126 on the NeSA-Reading test, while the state average was 105
The York Dukes began game-changing work certification programming at YHS in 2015 through partnerships with Central Valley Ag, Reinke Irrigation, and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA. YHS students can now earn a work certificate from NCTA in the areas of diversified agriculture, irrigation technology, and/or chemical application. We expect to have two members of Class of 2017 earn certification and 10-12 members from the Class of 2018. Workforce preparation is a main goal of YPS!
The York Dukes began a one-of-a-kind Agronomy Academy with Centennial and Seward High Schools through business partnerships with Pioneer, Syngenta, Mycogen, and Monsanto in 2013. This hands-on learning experience takes place at Monsanto and provides numerous real-life opportunities for to learn from agronomy experts.
The York Dukes collaborated with the York Chamber of Commerce, YCDC, and local banking leaders to begin an Entrepreneurship Academy for 5th-8th graders in 2015. We now partner with Gallup to conduct the StrengthsFinder and help our student-entrepreneurs reflect on their personalities and styles.
The York Dukes continue to work hand-in-hand with the City of York on facility usage agreements where we share each other’s resources. We also collaborate on 5th Grade Fitness Fun Day each May and other “Let’s Move York” initiatives in which the City has been, and continues to be, very instrumental.
The York Dukes began grant funded after-school and summer programming in 2011 and enjoy partnerships with the City of York, 4-H Extension Office, York General, and several other private businesses and volunteers to offer programming and support for our students. This program runs until 6:00 PM daily and for six continuous weeks over the summer.
The York Dukes are able to offer YHS student internships in a variety of fields due to partnerships with Truck Center Companies, York General, and other area businesses. Collaborating with our business leaders is a big part of who we are.
The York Dukes, with the help of ESU 6, began Project SEARCH in 2012 (through a partnership with York General Healthcare Facilities) as it serves as a transitional opportunity for young adults with special needs to earn employability skills as they aspire to enter the work force.
The York Dukes host one of the premiere teacher in-service days in the state each January. We expect to have over 480 educators at YHS on January 16th with nationally recognized keynote speakers and multiple breakout sessions for all PreK-12th grade educators.
The York Dukes have added "Math Counts" and "Invention Convention" teams at YES and YMS over the past few years.
The York Dukes have added Robotics Clubs at YMS and YHS over the past few years.
The York Dukes typically earn over 925 dual credits each year with courses offered at YHS. This allows our students to save time and money as they pursue education past high school.
The York Dukes offer numerous "Career Academies" to expose our YHS students to various potential careers and work environments.
The York Dukes have the ultimate "Animal Science Lab" in our high school. Come check it out sometime. It is beyond words!
The York Dukes have also added 3-D printers to our facilities to help maximize student creativity and productivity.
The York Dukes have a state-of-the-art greenhouse thanks to Mike Terpstra. We grow many vegetables in there that we sell to our food service company that we then consume within our food service programs.
The York Dukes have an amazing Birth-to-Five program through Family Foundations and Sixpence. We partner with numerous families and provide multiple services to children long before they come to kindergarten.
The York Dukes have a very robust SPED department that is able to provide many services to students in need.
The York Dukes have one of the strongest Fine Arts departments in Nebraska.
The York Dukes have one of the strongest Athletic departments in Nebraska.
The York Dukes offer many successful extra-curricular programs.
The York Dukes have a "true" middle school concept that focuses on whole child development during the 6th-8th grade years.
The York Dukes have an amazing K-5 elementary that focuses on research-based instructional techniques.
The York Dukes have a new mission statement.....Every Student. Every Day. Find a Way.
The York Dukes will continue to work hard to improve more and more. We're proud of our past and excited about our future.
GO DUKES!
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Things Seem to Always Work Out
I always dreamed of playing big-time college football. In August of 1986, I turned 14-years old and began my freshman year at Forest High School in Ocala, Florida. FHS was a football powerhouse with over 2,000 students and I couldn't wait to be a Wildcat. I was truly in the right place at the right time as I became just the 3rd player in school history to play varsity football as a freshman as I started at tight end. Scot Brantley was the first and he went on to be an All-SEC linebacker at Florida and then played for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Bert Yancey was the 2nd to do so and he played running back at Alabama. I was ready to roll!
By the time my sophomore year rolled around, I was getting recruitment letters from big-time programs. I will never forget my first letter ever in June 1987....from the University of Alabama. Soon after, one came from Michigan and I was enamored with how Coach Schembechler signed it in just big letters that said BO at the bottom. That summer and fall, the letters came in by the dozens. Florida State, Nebraska, Stanford, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Texas, Penn State, Duke, Navy, North Carolina, Miami, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and more.
My sophomore football season was probably my favorite year as a kid. We had an awesome team that won another district title and battled into the state playoffs before losing 21-15 to Jacksonville Raines. I had become a 2-way starter at tight end and inside linebacker. Believe it or not, I also returned punts because even though we had so many guys on the team that were much faster than I, they couldn't catch them!
Going into my junior year, I really caught the bug bad that I was going to be playing in front of 80,000 fans on Saturdays once I left high school. 1988 was another good season. We lost in the district championship but won many games and lots of college coaches came through town. I made the All Big Sun Team. Invites started pouring in for football camps that summer. The University of Florida sent my mama flowers on Mother's Day. Life was great!
As my senior year began in 1989, there was so much excitement. We were loaded and ready for another district title run. I was named one of the top 50 high school football players in the state by several newspapers. Coaches were calling all of the time, stopping by school, watching practices, etc. I took official visits to Florida State and the University of Florida that September. I also took unofficial visits to both places for additional games. I was planning to visit Stanford, Alabama, and Michigan after the season ended.
Then, the adversity came; my initial shoulder injury. It was a "mild" separation but it hurt real bad. I played through the pain and finished that game and prepared for the next week at Jacksonville Wolfson. My team needed me and I wasn't going to not play so I tried to tough it out. Late in the game, down by a touchdown, I fielded a punt and was immediately buried by several defenders that forced me to land directly on my right shoulder...it exploded...I heard it, I felt the intense heat running down my arm....it was bad. I finished the last few minutes of the game playing with one arm for the most part. We were unable to rally and lost.
The next week, we played what was essentially the district championship game vs. Gainesville Bucholz. My shoulder was wrapped. I had taken some cortisone. We did all we could do. I was unable to move it very well. I was a non-factor in the game and we lost. It was a long and painful night.
I then sat out the only game I ever missed in high school the following week when Gainesville High came to town. I was in tears on the sidelines knowing I couldn't play and help my teammates. It was the longest 2.5 hours of my life up to that point.
The next week was our last game since we didn't qualify for the playoffs. It was against our bitter, cross-town rival, Vanguard, and I played tight end. I couldn't play linebacker because I couldn't lift my right arm. I did catch a couple of punts, somehow. I made some blocks but had no receptions. We beat those suckers 37-24 and it was a great way to end a painful and disappointing season.
With the season over, I went in to get my shoulder properly checked out and learned that it was decimated. I had to have reconstructive surgery and lost almost all of my strength in it. As the college coaches began to hear of this, the phone didn't ring as often. I was still invited to the Florida State/Florida game that year in Gainesville but I didn't get all of the attention from the coaches I used to get before the injury. December came and went and no other official visits were offered. FSU "liked" me as a player but now needed to "wait and see." Florida "thought" I could help them at tight end but was waiting on the new coaching staff (Steve Spurrier) to get to town. Over the next four years, I went on to see Billie Glenn from Daytona Seabreeze, who we played and beat and I went head to head with, go to FSU and start for three years and win a national title. I saw Vanguard's Shawn Nunn go to Florida and start for three years as well. I had played both of those guys several times and always beat them as a team and in one-on-one match-ups. Oh well.
My dreams of playing big-time college football were gone. I then began to hear from Eastern Kentucky, Troy State, Georgia Southern, Citadel, Western Carolina, and others but none of those panned out due to concerns over my shoulder.
Right before signing day, I took a visit to the University of Central Florida in Orlando. They said I could walk-on if I wanted to but they didn't have any scholarship money for me. I was mad. I was sad. I was upset. I couldn't believe this was happening.
The University of Richmond called and said they would call me back on signing day if they had an offer. The phone never rang.
That February, I ended up signing a small scholarship offer from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. I wasn't going to play in front of 80,000 fans. Heck, I wasn't going to play in front of 10,000 fans like we had at my high school games. I was going to play in front of 2,000 fans in small towns in the midwest against teams nobody has ever heard of.
By the time I got to Benedictine in the fall of 1990, I was beat up and washed up for the most part. I had a good career there...I started a few games at linebacker, came in on various situational packages, and started at tight end my senior year before a major ankle injury cut it short for me in the 4th game of the year. My heart wasn't into it like it had been in high school. I made some great friends, learned some real tough "life lessons," and met my wife at BC.
I learned at Benedictine that when your heart isn't into something 110%, you typically have regrets and aren't as successful as you wanted to be. You're either "all in" or out, right? I wasn't "all in" and I can't take that back now.
I have no regrets, however. Going through the shoulder and ankle injuries, dealing with disappointment, etc. made me a better person. Developing lifelong relationships at Benedictine with guys like Bill Utz, Ken McGibney, and others made a lasting impression. Meeting my wife there was a true blessing. Earning my BA in elementary education and my MA in educational leadership there opened doors for me.
The fact I wasn't the key contributor I could have been on the BC football team has driven me to this day to work hard and to never put myself in the position to be looked at as "average." That motivation drives me every day as a school leader.
The most valuable things we learn don't often come from books...they come from tough, real-life experiences.
If I hadn't gone to BC, I wouldn't have met Liesl Dean from Omaha, Nebraska. I wouldn't have the four children I'm lucky enough to have that I love, admire, and respect with all of my heart. I wouldn't be in public education in Nebraska.
You see, things seem to always work out.
By the time my sophomore year rolled around, I was getting recruitment letters from big-time programs. I will never forget my first letter ever in June 1987....from the University of Alabama. Soon after, one came from Michigan and I was enamored with how Coach Schembechler signed it in just big letters that said BO at the bottom. That summer and fall, the letters came in by the dozens. Florida State, Nebraska, Stanford, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Texas, Penn State, Duke, Navy, North Carolina, Miami, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and more.
My sophomore football season was probably my favorite year as a kid. We had an awesome team that won another district title and battled into the state playoffs before losing 21-15 to Jacksonville Raines. I had become a 2-way starter at tight end and inside linebacker. Believe it or not, I also returned punts because even though we had so many guys on the team that were much faster than I, they couldn't catch them!
Going into my junior year, I really caught the bug bad that I was going to be playing in front of 80,000 fans on Saturdays once I left high school. 1988 was another good season. We lost in the district championship but won many games and lots of college coaches came through town. I made the All Big Sun Team. Invites started pouring in for football camps that summer. The University of Florida sent my mama flowers on Mother's Day. Life was great!
As my senior year began in 1989, there was so much excitement. We were loaded and ready for another district title run. I was named one of the top 50 high school football players in the state by several newspapers. Coaches were calling all of the time, stopping by school, watching practices, etc. I took official visits to Florida State and the University of Florida that September. I also took unofficial visits to both places for additional games. I was planning to visit Stanford, Alabama, and Michigan after the season ended.
Then, the adversity came; my initial shoulder injury. It was a "mild" separation but it hurt real bad. I played through the pain and finished that game and prepared for the next week at Jacksonville Wolfson. My team needed me and I wasn't going to not play so I tried to tough it out. Late in the game, down by a touchdown, I fielded a punt and was immediately buried by several defenders that forced me to land directly on my right shoulder...it exploded...I heard it, I felt the intense heat running down my arm....it was bad. I finished the last few minutes of the game playing with one arm for the most part. We were unable to rally and lost.
The next week, we played what was essentially the district championship game vs. Gainesville Bucholz. My shoulder was wrapped. I had taken some cortisone. We did all we could do. I was unable to move it very well. I was a non-factor in the game and we lost. It was a long and painful night.
I then sat out the only game I ever missed in high school the following week when Gainesville High came to town. I was in tears on the sidelines knowing I couldn't play and help my teammates. It was the longest 2.5 hours of my life up to that point.
The next week was our last game since we didn't qualify for the playoffs. It was against our bitter, cross-town rival, Vanguard, and I played tight end. I couldn't play linebacker because I couldn't lift my right arm. I did catch a couple of punts, somehow. I made some blocks but had no receptions. We beat those suckers 37-24 and it was a great way to end a painful and disappointing season.
With the season over, I went in to get my shoulder properly checked out and learned that it was decimated. I had to have reconstructive surgery and lost almost all of my strength in it. As the college coaches began to hear of this, the phone didn't ring as often. I was still invited to the Florida State/Florida game that year in Gainesville but I didn't get all of the attention from the coaches I used to get before the injury. December came and went and no other official visits were offered. FSU "liked" me as a player but now needed to "wait and see." Florida "thought" I could help them at tight end but was waiting on the new coaching staff (Steve Spurrier) to get to town. Over the next four years, I went on to see Billie Glenn from Daytona Seabreeze, who we played and beat and I went head to head with, go to FSU and start for three years and win a national title. I saw Vanguard's Shawn Nunn go to Florida and start for three years as well. I had played both of those guys several times and always beat them as a team and in one-on-one match-ups. Oh well.
My dreams of playing big-time college football were gone. I then began to hear from Eastern Kentucky, Troy State, Georgia Southern, Citadel, Western Carolina, and others but none of those panned out due to concerns over my shoulder.
Right before signing day, I took a visit to the University of Central Florida in Orlando. They said I could walk-on if I wanted to but they didn't have any scholarship money for me. I was mad. I was sad. I was upset. I couldn't believe this was happening.
The University of Richmond called and said they would call me back on signing day if they had an offer. The phone never rang.
That February, I ended up signing a small scholarship offer from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. I wasn't going to play in front of 80,000 fans. Heck, I wasn't going to play in front of 10,000 fans like we had at my high school games. I was going to play in front of 2,000 fans in small towns in the midwest against teams nobody has ever heard of.
By the time I got to Benedictine in the fall of 1990, I was beat up and washed up for the most part. I had a good career there...I started a few games at linebacker, came in on various situational packages, and started at tight end my senior year before a major ankle injury cut it short for me in the 4th game of the year. My heart wasn't into it like it had been in high school. I made some great friends, learned some real tough "life lessons," and met my wife at BC.
I learned at Benedictine that when your heart isn't into something 110%, you typically have regrets and aren't as successful as you wanted to be. You're either "all in" or out, right? I wasn't "all in" and I can't take that back now.
I have no regrets, however. Going through the shoulder and ankle injuries, dealing with disappointment, etc. made me a better person. Developing lifelong relationships at Benedictine with guys like Bill Utz, Ken McGibney, and others made a lasting impression. Meeting my wife there was a true blessing. Earning my BA in elementary education and my MA in educational leadership there opened doors for me.
The fact I wasn't the key contributor I could have been on the BC football team has driven me to this day to work hard and to never put myself in the position to be looked at as "average." That motivation drives me every day as a school leader.
The most valuable things we learn don't often come from books...they come from tough, real-life experiences.
If I hadn't gone to BC, I wouldn't have met Liesl Dean from Omaha, Nebraska. I wouldn't have the four children I'm lucky enough to have that I love, admire, and respect with all of my heart. I wouldn't be in public education in Nebraska.
You see, things seem to always work out.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Social Media Safety and Digital Citizenship
We are excited to announce that Bobby Truhe, a school attorney, will be back in York on Monday, October 24th for a 6:00-6:45 PM presentation for parents and adults on "social media issues and digital citizenship."
Bobby put on a presentation for our 5th-12th graders earlier this fall where he went over the potential pitfalls and legalities dealing with social media threats, bullying, etc. We feel it is very important for our young people to be constantly reminded how important it is that they exercise good judgment when using social media. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and others can all be extremely fun, educational, and safe. However, they can all be horribly difficult, divisive, and outright dangerous as well. It depends on how they're used.
This special presentation for parents and adults will be in the YHS cafeteria. Everyone is invited.
YHS will also host a YMS/YHS choir concert that same evening at 7:00 PM.
We hope to see lots of parents and adults at both activities at YHS on October 24th.
Please help spread the word.
Bobby put on a presentation for our 5th-12th graders earlier this fall where he went over the potential pitfalls and legalities dealing with social media threats, bullying, etc. We feel it is very important for our young people to be constantly reminded how important it is that they exercise good judgment when using social media. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and others can all be extremely fun, educational, and safe. However, they can all be horribly difficult, divisive, and outright dangerous as well. It depends on how they're used.
This special presentation for parents and adults will be in the YHS cafeteria. Everyone is invited.
YHS will also host a YMS/YHS choir concert that same evening at 7:00 PM.
We hope to see lots of parents and adults at both activities at YHS on October 24th.
Please help spread the word.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Chris Keiser - A Special Friend
Chris Keiser is a special friend of mine. I've known him since 8th grade back in Ocala, FL at Osceola Middle School. Chris has special needs. He has developmental delays and functions at a low cognitive level. He was in mild to severe Special Education classes his entire K-12 life.
I began kindergarten in the fall of 1977 and I can remember when special needs students were literally placed in custodial closets and isolated from their "regular" education peers. I vividly remember walking to recess one day when I was in 4th or 5th grade and seeing a wheel-chair bound student staring at us from a closet with a wishful look that they too could go to recess and have some fun.
My lifelong friendship with Chris Keiser began under sad circumstances. By my 8th grade year, 1985-86, special education students had begun to be more mainstreamed and Chris was part of our PE class. I walked into the locker room one day to see another student named Divencey beating Chris up and shoving him in a locker. I was enraged that someone would pick on Chris so I quickly put an end to it and threw Divencey around a little bit and made sure everyone knew they better never mess with Chris again.
We became buddies after that. Once we both went to Forest High School that August, we became better friends. Forest was a big place with lots of students and multiple student lunches to accommodate all of the kids. I found out that Chris and I had the same lunch (5-D, I think) so I made sure we sat by each other every day. We talked about his classes, me playing varsity football, pretty girls, etc. I was dating a gal named Caroline that year and us three were always together.
Chris went to dances with us. He and I went to some movies. I just enjoyed being around someone that was so "real" and not fake. Chris told you like it was. He didn't stab you in the back. He didn't try to tear you down so he could build himself up. He was, and still is, a true friend.
I spent more time with Chris in high school than any other single person. Girlfriends came and went but Chris was always there. I continued to take him to dances all four years. We saw lots of movies together on Saturday afternoons. He became our team manager for football and baseball so I rode lots of miles with him on yellow buses too. He would get picked on from time to time and it really made him sad. I tried to be there for him but couldn't be with him all of the time.
I am lucky to still have some friends from high school I stay in touch with but none more than Chris. He came to visit us in West Point, Nebraska in 2002. He came to my Masters' Graduation in Kansas in 1998. He's been a true friend for many years.
I spoke to Chris last night...we typically talk to each other 6-7 times a year. He is SO excited that he has a job at Wal-Mart from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM four days a week. He helps stock shelves. He's had dish-washing jobs in the past but Wal-Mart has always been great to him and for that, I am so thankful. Chris is happy. He "gets" to work each week. He is an inspiration to me. Life has not been, and is not easy for him. He can't drive very well. He gets confused. His face has some abnormalities. But, you know what? He is happy. He is hard-working. He is grateful. He is loyal.
Over the years, I've had a lot of people tell me how "nice" it is that I'm friends with Chris. I'm the one that should be thankful....every time I speak to him, it is a reminder of how much I miss him and how much I pray for his happiness. It reminds me of all that I should be thankful for. My life is super easy compared to his. He's the real winner. I'm lucky to know him and be his friend...not the other way around!
I worry about what his life will be like when his mama passes away. He lost his dad many years ago. I worry about others treating him well and being respectful. I feel guilty for not getting down to Florida to see him for too many years.
I guess the message of my blog this week is for EVERYONE to treat others with respect and dignity. Some people look at a guy like Chris Keiser and they make fun of him. They pick on him. They go out of their way to make him sad. I detest these kind of people that must be so miserable with their own lives that they try to ruin the lives of others. EVERYONE deserves respect. EVERYONE can be treated kindly and fairly. We don't all have to be best friends but we can all co-exist.
I wish you had the chance to meet Chris. He would brighten your day. He would shake your hand, make you laugh, and feel good about yourself. Chris Keiser is special.
I began kindergarten in the fall of 1977 and I can remember when special needs students were literally placed in custodial closets and isolated from their "regular" education peers. I vividly remember walking to recess one day when I was in 4th or 5th grade and seeing a wheel-chair bound student staring at us from a closet with a wishful look that they too could go to recess and have some fun.
My lifelong friendship with Chris Keiser began under sad circumstances. By my 8th grade year, 1985-86, special education students had begun to be more mainstreamed and Chris was part of our PE class. I walked into the locker room one day to see another student named Divencey beating Chris up and shoving him in a locker. I was enraged that someone would pick on Chris so I quickly put an end to it and threw Divencey around a little bit and made sure everyone knew they better never mess with Chris again.
We became buddies after that. Once we both went to Forest High School that August, we became better friends. Forest was a big place with lots of students and multiple student lunches to accommodate all of the kids. I found out that Chris and I had the same lunch (5-D, I think) so I made sure we sat by each other every day. We talked about his classes, me playing varsity football, pretty girls, etc. I was dating a gal named Caroline that year and us three were always together.
Chris went to dances with us. He and I went to some movies. I just enjoyed being around someone that was so "real" and not fake. Chris told you like it was. He didn't stab you in the back. He didn't try to tear you down so he could build himself up. He was, and still is, a true friend.
I spent more time with Chris in high school than any other single person. Girlfriends came and went but Chris was always there. I continued to take him to dances all four years. We saw lots of movies together on Saturday afternoons. He became our team manager for football and baseball so I rode lots of miles with him on yellow buses too. He would get picked on from time to time and it really made him sad. I tried to be there for him but couldn't be with him all of the time.
I am lucky to still have some friends from high school I stay in touch with but none more than Chris. He came to visit us in West Point, Nebraska in 2002. He came to my Masters' Graduation in Kansas in 1998. He's been a true friend for many years.
I spoke to Chris last night...we typically talk to each other 6-7 times a year. He is SO excited that he has a job at Wal-Mart from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM four days a week. He helps stock shelves. He's had dish-washing jobs in the past but Wal-Mart has always been great to him and for that, I am so thankful. Chris is happy. He "gets" to work each week. He is an inspiration to me. Life has not been, and is not easy for him. He can't drive very well. He gets confused. His face has some abnormalities. But, you know what? He is happy. He is hard-working. He is grateful. He is loyal.
Over the years, I've had a lot of people tell me how "nice" it is that I'm friends with Chris. I'm the one that should be thankful....every time I speak to him, it is a reminder of how much I miss him and how much I pray for his happiness. It reminds me of all that I should be thankful for. My life is super easy compared to his. He's the real winner. I'm lucky to know him and be his friend...not the other way around!
I worry about what his life will be like when his mama passes away. He lost his dad many years ago. I worry about others treating him well and being respectful. I feel guilty for not getting down to Florida to see him for too many years.
I guess the message of my blog this week is for EVERYONE to treat others with respect and dignity. Some people look at a guy like Chris Keiser and they make fun of him. They pick on him. They go out of their way to make him sad. I detest these kind of people that must be so miserable with their own lives that they try to ruin the lives of others. EVERYONE deserves respect. EVERYONE can be treated kindly and fairly. We don't all have to be best friends but we can all co-exist.
I wish you had the chance to meet Chris. He would brighten your day. He would shake your hand, make you laugh, and feel good about yourself. Chris Keiser is special.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Lunch and Learn with YPS
As part of our continued effort to communicate at a high level with our parents and patrons, we are going to host quarterly "Lunch and Learn" sessions this year. We will also host a "Community Coffee" per semester as well.
Our first "Lunch and Learn" will take place on Tuesday, October 11th from Noon - 1:00 at the YPS District Office on the east side of the YHS campus. This is a "come one, come all" event where EVERYONE is invited. We're hoping for a large turnout of parents, grandparents, patrons, and business folks. For lunch, we will have a FREE sandwich bar with chips, cookies, and bottled water.
Each "Lunch and Learn" will feature two various presentations for our attendees to learn about. On October 11th, we will showcase the YPS Transportation Department and Early Childhood Programming. Troy Rowe, our transportation supervisor, will discuss driver training, bus safety protocol, and GPS/camera systems in our buses to maximize student safety. Kris Friesen, our PreK-5th grade principal, will give an overview of our Family Foundations and Pre-School offerings and the importance of birth-to-five programming.
Please email me at mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org if you plan to attend. That will help us know how much FREE food to put out for lunch. We are hoping for a large crowd.
I believe attendees will be fascinated to learn about our transportation department and all of the things they have to do on a regular basis to ensure student safety. Our audience will also leave with a much better understanding of all the programs we have to work with students and their families long before they enter kindergarten.
We hope to see YOU on October 11th at noon at the YPS district office!
Our first "Lunch and Learn" will take place on Tuesday, October 11th from Noon - 1:00 at the YPS District Office on the east side of the YHS campus. This is a "come one, come all" event where EVERYONE is invited. We're hoping for a large turnout of parents, grandparents, patrons, and business folks. For lunch, we will have a FREE sandwich bar with chips, cookies, and bottled water.
Each "Lunch and Learn" will feature two various presentations for our attendees to learn about. On October 11th, we will showcase the YPS Transportation Department and Early Childhood Programming. Troy Rowe, our transportation supervisor, will discuss driver training, bus safety protocol, and GPS/camera systems in our buses to maximize student safety. Kris Friesen, our PreK-5th grade principal, will give an overview of our Family Foundations and Pre-School offerings and the importance of birth-to-five programming.
Please email me at mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org if you plan to attend. That will help us know how much FREE food to put out for lunch. We are hoping for a large crowd.
I believe attendees will be fascinated to learn about our transportation department and all of the things they have to do on a regular basis to ensure student safety. Our audience will also leave with a much better understanding of all the programs we have to work with students and their families long before they enter kindergarten.
We hope to see YOU on October 11th at noon at the YPS district office!
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Husker Football Ticket Raffle for YPS Foundation
HUSKER FOOTBALL TICKETS -- Silent Bid
Thanks to UTC Aeropsace Systems, the York Public Schools Foundation has TWO tickets to the Nebraska vs. Maryland football game on November 19th available for silent bid.
Silent bids can be made by calling the YPS District Office at 402-362-6655 ext. 4 and asking for Gayla Knight or Mike Lucas or emailing mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org.
Minimum bid is $150 for both tickets, which is just $75 each. Face value is $65 each. Both tickets must be purchased together. No single ticket sales.
Bids will be accepted until 2:00 PM CST on Friday, October 14th. The winner will be announced at that evening’s York vs. Seward football game at East Hill Park. You do not need to be present to win.
These 2 tickets are located at Gate 14, Section 38, Row 36, Seats 9 & 10.
All proceeds will go towards Project Phil-Anthropy, to help students in need, in honor of Phil Towle.
Thanks to UTC Aeropsace Systems, the York Public Schools Foundation has TWO tickets to the Nebraska vs. Maryland football game on November 19th available for silent bid.
Silent bids can be made by calling the YPS District Office at 402-362-6655 ext. 4 and asking for Gayla Knight or Mike Lucas or emailing mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org.
Minimum bid is $150 for both tickets, which is just $75 each. Face value is $65 each. Both tickets must be purchased together. No single ticket sales.
Bids will be accepted until 2:00 PM CST on Friday, October 14th. The winner will be announced at that evening’s York vs. Seward football game at East Hill Park. You do not need to be present to win.
These 2 tickets are located at Gate 14, Section 38, Row 36, Seats 9 & 10.
All proceeds will go towards Project Phil-Anthropy, to help students in need, in honor of Phil Towle.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Nothing but Random Thoughts
This week's blog will be nothing but random thoughts on a wide variety of topics....proceed accordingly....
* I've always believed (and always will) in showing the utmost respect during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. That doesn't mean I agree with everything that goes on in our country. It means I cherish the opportunities we have as Americans. It means I am grateful to the brave men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, so we can keep that freedom. It sickens me that professional athletes making millions of dollars feel the need to disrespect our brave men and women of the Armed Forces by kneeling during the National Anthem. Now, across the country, we're seeing college and high school kids do the same. What an absolute shame. The Pledge and National Anthem aren't about you or me. They're about those that are brave enough to protect us. I fully support those that don't salute the flag as part of their religion....that's a different circumstance. I never will support those that for non-religious reasons want to make a spectacle out of our National Anthem.
* We are saddened by the news that Dr. Paul Toms passed away this weekend. He was a proud York Duke alumni that went on to serve York Public Schools as its superintendent. He retired in 1999. He was a visionary that began self-funded insurance here. He was an "old school" leader that was very results-oriented. I always enjoyed our visits. He would often stop by the house when I was working in the yard and we would just talk "school" for a little bit. He was such a proud and important member of our community. We will miss Dr. Paul Toms.
* Last week was a wonderful time in York with "Yorkfest" and Homecoming. Thanks to the York Chamber of Commerce for all of their work. There were numerous activities for kids and adults of all ages. It was a fun time to celebrate all that York has to offer.
* Congratulations to the City of York for being named "Community of the Year" by the Nebraska Diplomats. This is a nice accomplishment and showcases many of the improvements being made around town.
* I was very lucky to spend the last eight days with my 96-year old grandmother ("Mammy"), her best friend, Miss Jackie, and my mama as they all visited from Florida. I miss my family dearly and wish I got to see them more than a few days each year. Mammy has been a tremendous influence throughout my life. My mama is an inspiration for never giving up. I love my family very much and often think back to times when we were all together. Mothers and grandparents are such special people. Memories last a lifetime!
Have a great week.
Go Dukes!
* I've always believed (and always will) in showing the utmost respect during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. That doesn't mean I agree with everything that goes on in our country. It means I cherish the opportunities we have as Americans. It means I am grateful to the brave men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, so we can keep that freedom. It sickens me that professional athletes making millions of dollars feel the need to disrespect our brave men and women of the Armed Forces by kneeling during the National Anthem. Now, across the country, we're seeing college and high school kids do the same. What an absolute shame. The Pledge and National Anthem aren't about you or me. They're about those that are brave enough to protect us. I fully support those that don't salute the flag as part of their religion....that's a different circumstance. I never will support those that for non-religious reasons want to make a spectacle out of our National Anthem.
* We are saddened by the news that Dr. Paul Toms passed away this weekend. He was a proud York Duke alumni that went on to serve York Public Schools as its superintendent. He retired in 1999. He was a visionary that began self-funded insurance here. He was an "old school" leader that was very results-oriented. I always enjoyed our visits. He would often stop by the house when I was working in the yard and we would just talk "school" for a little bit. He was such a proud and important member of our community. We will miss Dr. Paul Toms.
* Last week was a wonderful time in York with "Yorkfest" and Homecoming. Thanks to the York Chamber of Commerce for all of their work. There were numerous activities for kids and adults of all ages. It was a fun time to celebrate all that York has to offer.
* Congratulations to the City of York for being named "Community of the Year" by the Nebraska Diplomats. This is a nice accomplishment and showcases many of the improvements being made around town.
* I was very lucky to spend the last eight days with my 96-year old grandmother ("Mammy"), her best friend, Miss Jackie, and my mama as they all visited from Florida. I miss my family dearly and wish I got to see them more than a few days each year. Mammy has been a tremendous influence throughout my life. My mama is an inspiration for never giving up. I love my family very much and often think back to times when we were all together. Mothers and grandparents are such special people. Memories last a lifetime!
Have a great week.
Go Dukes!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
This is a BIG week in York as we celebrate "Yorkfest" and Alumni/Homecoming Weekend. We appreciate the Chamber of Commerce for all of their hard work. We hope to see you at numerous community and school events! It's always a GREAT DAY TO BE A YORK DUKE!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th
• YHS Girls Golf at Lexington Invite at 9:30 AM
• YHS Boys Tennis Invitational at York High School at 10:00 AM
• YHS Cross Country at Aurora Invitational at 4:45 PM
• Alumni Pep Rally in East Hill Park with YPS Foundation Tailgate Meal from 5:00-6:45 PM
• York Dukes vs. Schuyler Warriors Football Game at 7:00 PM -- Halftime Recognition of all alumni in attendance
• Yorkfest activities include:
o Neon at Nite 5K and 1-Mile Glow Runs (registration at 7:30)
o “The Back Forty” Street Dance from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• The York Elks Club at 121 W. 6th Street will also be open until 1:00 AM and provide a spot for alumni to gather
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th
• YHS Volleyball at Wahoo Neumann Invite at 9:00 AM
• YHS Softball at Columbus Lakeview Invite at 9:00 AM
• YHS Girls Golf at Aurora Invite at 9:00 AM
• Yorkfest activities include:
o Pancake Feed from 7:00 – 9:30 AM
o Car Show at 9:00 AM
o Downtown Parade at 10:00 AM featuring the YHS BAND
o Craft Fair from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
o Floats after the Floats
o Kids’ Carnival Rides begin after the parade
o Skate Contest at 2:00 PM
• YHS HOMECOMING DANCE for current high school students
• “Alumni Watch Party” for the Huskers vs. Wyoming Football Game at 11:00 AM
o The York Elks Club at 121 W. 6th Street is open until 1:00 AM and will have lots of burgers, etc.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th
• Yorkfest activities include:
o Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, 8 AM – 6 PM (Contact the York Chamber of Commerce)
o Community Inspirational Service featuring Dr. Tom Osborne at Levitt Stadium at 1:00 PM
Helpful websites and social media highlights:
• Wessels Living History Farm (great family fun) http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/
• York Chamber of Commerce http://yorkchamber.org/
• York Country Club www.yorkcountryclub.net
• York Public Schools www.yorkpublic.org
• York County Visitors Bureau yorkcountyvisitors.org
• FACEBOOK - York High Alumni - York, Nebraska
• TWITTER - #yorkdukes
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th
• YHS Girls Golf at Lexington Invite at 9:30 AM
• YHS Boys Tennis Invitational at York High School at 10:00 AM
• YHS Cross Country at Aurora Invitational at 4:45 PM
• Alumni Pep Rally in East Hill Park with YPS Foundation Tailgate Meal from 5:00-6:45 PM
• York Dukes vs. Schuyler Warriors Football Game at 7:00 PM -- Halftime Recognition of all alumni in attendance
• Yorkfest activities include:
o Neon at Nite 5K and 1-Mile Glow Runs (registration at 7:30)
o “The Back Forty” Street Dance from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• The York Elks Club at 121 W. 6th Street will also be open until 1:00 AM and provide a spot for alumni to gather
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th
• YHS Volleyball at Wahoo Neumann Invite at 9:00 AM
• YHS Softball at Columbus Lakeview Invite at 9:00 AM
• YHS Girls Golf at Aurora Invite at 9:00 AM
• Yorkfest activities include:
o Pancake Feed from 7:00 – 9:30 AM
o Car Show at 9:00 AM
o Downtown Parade at 10:00 AM featuring the YHS BAND
o Craft Fair from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
o Floats after the Floats
o Kids’ Carnival Rides begin after the parade
o Skate Contest at 2:00 PM
• YHS HOMECOMING DANCE for current high school students
• “Alumni Watch Party” for the Huskers vs. Wyoming Football Game at 11:00 AM
o The York Elks Club at 121 W. 6th Street is open until 1:00 AM and will have lots of burgers, etc.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th
• Yorkfest activities include:
o Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, 8 AM – 6 PM (Contact the York Chamber of Commerce)
o Community Inspirational Service featuring Dr. Tom Osborne at Levitt Stadium at 1:00 PM
Helpful websites and social media highlights:
• Wessels Living History Farm (great family fun) http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/
• York Chamber of Commerce http://yorkchamber.org/
• York Country Club www.yorkcountryclub.net
• York Public Schools www.yorkpublic.org
• York County Visitors Bureau yorkcountyvisitors.org
• FACEBOOK - York High Alumni - York, Nebraska
• TWITTER - #yorkdukes
Thursday, September 1, 2016
School Funding - Beating a Dead Horse
The 2015-16 fiscal year for York Public Schools came to an end on August 31st. York Public Schools now has even more data to show that our over-reliance on local property taxes isn’t due to “local spending” like some state-level officials want us to believe, it is due to the ineffective way our schools are funded.
• We spent $22,968 LESS than we did the year before
o This comes to about $11,200 per student, which is well below the statewide average of cost per pupil, a measure that some use to determine “efficiency” of school spending
• Our average annual spending increase since 2008 has been only 1.5%
o We’ve made tough cuts and now have 5.25 fewer teachers today than we did 10 years ago
We also have 18 fewer support staff members than we did 10 years ago
• Our enrollment has grown by more than 12% in that same time span
• HERE’S THE REAL KICKER, HOWEVER
o Our total revenue for 2015-16 was $80,467 LESS than the year before
Despite our local property taxes INCREASING by $999,780
• Let that sink in for a minute…..$999,780 more in local property taxes than the year before yet our total revenue goes down….
• You see, local property taxes aren’t lining our school district pockets with cash – they’re simply replacing state and federal revenues, often at a deficit
As we look ahead to the 2016-17 fiscal year, the picture gets even worse but we continue to hear state-level officials say that the state doesn’t levy property taxes and “the problem” lies with locally elected boards that spend too much. Locally elected officials get thrown under the bus when this is a statewide issue and the school funding formula is underfunded and manipulated to gobble up local property taxes.
• Our state aid DECREASES another $1.25 Million
o We are up against the maximum levy lid so we will request $300,000 more in local property taxes from you
• However, despite you paying more local property taxes again, our total revenue is projected to DECREASE by another $600,000
• We plan to increase our spending by about $40,000 (.002%) and have a decent chance of not increasing at all
We’re working hard on this issue and have reached out to many farmers and large landowners and will continue to do so. We want to work hand-in-hand with our agriculture community as we work for true property tax relief. We’re trying to bring some possible solutions to York County this fall/winter for discussion. Thanks for your support.
Mike Lucas
York Public Schools
• We spent $22,968 LESS than we did the year before
o This comes to about $11,200 per student, which is well below the statewide average of cost per pupil, a measure that some use to determine “efficiency” of school spending
• Our average annual spending increase since 2008 has been only 1.5%
o We’ve made tough cuts and now have 5.25 fewer teachers today than we did 10 years ago
We also have 18 fewer support staff members than we did 10 years ago
• Our enrollment has grown by more than 12% in that same time span
• HERE’S THE REAL KICKER, HOWEVER
o Our total revenue for 2015-16 was $80,467 LESS than the year before
Despite our local property taxes INCREASING by $999,780
• Let that sink in for a minute…..$999,780 more in local property taxes than the year before yet our total revenue goes down….
• You see, local property taxes aren’t lining our school district pockets with cash – they’re simply replacing state and federal revenues, often at a deficit
As we look ahead to the 2016-17 fiscal year, the picture gets even worse but we continue to hear state-level officials say that the state doesn’t levy property taxes and “the problem” lies with locally elected boards that spend too much. Locally elected officials get thrown under the bus when this is a statewide issue and the school funding formula is underfunded and manipulated to gobble up local property taxes.
• Our state aid DECREASES another $1.25 Million
o We are up against the maximum levy lid so we will request $300,000 more in local property taxes from you
• However, despite you paying more local property taxes again, our total revenue is projected to DECREASE by another $600,000
• We plan to increase our spending by about $40,000 (.002%) and have a decent chance of not increasing at all
We’re working hard on this issue and have reached out to many farmers and large landowners and will continue to do so. We want to work hand-in-hand with our agriculture community as we work for true property tax relief. We’re trying to bring some possible solutions to York County this fall/winter for discussion. Thanks for your support.
Mike Lucas
York Public Schools
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Community and School PRIDE
I woke up this morning to see on Twitter that Grand Central Foods, one of our grocery stores in town, displayed some of their soft drinks in a way that it shows Y DUKES. How cool is that?
It's just another small, recent example of how awesome York is and how much support this community provides to York Public Schools. Over the lunch hour this past Friday, I ran some errands to the dry cleaners, post office, and bank. In each place, people were wearing York Dukes shirts and were showing excitement for the many successful programs we have.
Our students have also bought in to how amazing York is as a community. They understand that when they are part of an organization, cast, group, program, or team that they're not just representing themselves and their families but also their school and their community.
Our recent "Back to School Celebration" and Community Pep Rally, with over 750 folks in attendance, is another strong indicator of how connected York and York Public Schools are. We're intertwined and that's the way it should be. Just since school started, I've had parents stop me to tell me how much they appreciate the new ICU program to battle apathy towards missing assignments, how much they appreciate the new STEM offerings at YMS, and the expanded business and work certification programming at YHS. YES parents have expressed excitement over the DESSA/Social-Emotional curriculum we're implementing as well. Life is good.
We've also hosted meetings with about 30 farmers in the past few weeks to work hand-in-hand on the massive issue of school funding and an over-reliance on local property taxes. We won't be divided and conquered like some politicians want. We're together moving forward to look for solutions.
It's an honor to work with and for a community that supports our young people as much as they do. The business leaders of York are wonderful to work with. We're blessed with many amazing and helpful parents. We have a tremendous relationship with both PreK-8th parochial schools in town, Emmanuel Faith-Lutheran as well as St. Joseph's Catholic.
Nebraska is an amazing place. There are so many awesome communities and school systems that work hand-in-hand and help identify each other. It is so neat to see all of the places in our great state that support their schools and young people. Community/School pride is alive and well!
Like my answering machine in the office says, "It's a great day to be a York Duke."
It's just another small, recent example of how awesome York is and how much support this community provides to York Public Schools. Over the lunch hour this past Friday, I ran some errands to the dry cleaners, post office, and bank. In each place, people were wearing York Dukes shirts and were showing excitement for the many successful programs we have.
Our students have also bought in to how amazing York is as a community. They understand that when they are part of an organization, cast, group, program, or team that they're not just representing themselves and their families but also their school and their community.
Our recent "Back to School Celebration" and Community Pep Rally, with over 750 folks in attendance, is another strong indicator of how connected York and York Public Schools are. We're intertwined and that's the way it should be. Just since school started, I've had parents stop me to tell me how much they appreciate the new ICU program to battle apathy towards missing assignments, how much they appreciate the new STEM offerings at YMS, and the expanded business and work certification programming at YHS. YES parents have expressed excitement over the DESSA/Social-Emotional curriculum we're implementing as well. Life is good.
We've also hosted meetings with about 30 farmers in the past few weeks to work hand-in-hand on the massive issue of school funding and an over-reliance on local property taxes. We won't be divided and conquered like some politicians want. We're together moving forward to look for solutions.
It's an honor to work with and for a community that supports our young people as much as they do. The business leaders of York are wonderful to work with. We're blessed with many amazing and helpful parents. We have a tremendous relationship with both PreK-8th parochial schools in town, Emmanuel Faith-Lutheran as well as St. Joseph's Catholic.
Nebraska is an amazing place. There are so many awesome communities and school systems that work hand-in-hand and help identify each other. It is so neat to see all of the places in our great state that support their schools and young people. Community/School pride is alive and well!
Like my answering machine in the office says, "It's a great day to be a York Duke."
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Early Childhood Programming has to be a Priority
The research regarding the value of quality early childhood services is undisputed. First Five Nebraska estimates that there are over 62,000 Nebraska children ages 0-5 who are at risk of failing in school because of lack of early childhood programming opportunities. Achievement gaps don’t begin in kindergarten.
● The development of the brain in the first five years literally shapes the learning capacity for the rest of a child's life.
● The first five years of life are a time unlike any other in the development of the human mind. During this brief period, a child's brain creates and conditions synaptic connections at an astonishing rate as it prepares itself for a lifetime of learning and growth. The relationships and experiences a child shares with its parents and caregivers in the earliest years are crucial to the acquisition of communication and reasoning skills, the capacity to regulate emotions and behaviors, and the development of self-confidence and motivation for learning and achievement.
● As children grow older, their capacity to learn continues - but they will never have quite the same opportunity to lay such crucial neurological foundations again.
● Forty-one percent of our youngest children are subject to risk factors that threaten their ability to thrive in school and beyond. These children can be found in every county throughout the state, and although the greatest concentrations occur in metropolitan areas, Nebraska's rural counties are showing the greatest increase in their at-risk populations of children 0 to 5 years of age.
● On the whole, positive, supportive and stimulating early learning experiences and environments benefit not just the children themselves, but society in general.
o In fact, Nobel Prize-winning economist James J. Heckman calculates that high quality early childhood experiences can yield $7 for every $1 invested.
o Yet, Nebraska’s investment in early childhood continues to lag far behind what we spend each year on SPED, behavioral health, corrections and public assistance. Children who enter Kindergarten lacking the cognitive skills of their peers are likely to lag behind for the rest of their time in the K-12 system, despite the availability of costly special education programs.
● Children who are limited in their ability to regulate their emotions and make intelligent social decisions are more likely to require behavioral health services and enter the criminal justice system later in life.
The time is right for our great state to make a renewed commitment to quality early childhood programming for all Nebraska children. Partnerships with organizations like First Five Nebraska, UNL and Dr. Sam Meisels, Sixpence, as well as numerous other public and private organizations can help create a world class educational system in Nebraska.
We believe:
● Expanded early childhood programming will be an effective use of limited educational dollars resulting in improved academic performance, higher graduation and lower dropout rates and improved social behavior.
● Expanded early childhood programming will assist in stimulating the state's economy by attracting businesses to an area with skilled labor and a supportive family environment.
● Quality early childhood programs require quality teachers using researched based curriculum which must demonstrate positive results via accountability systems.
● The development of the brain in the first five years literally shapes the learning capacity for the rest of a child's life.
● The first five years of life are a time unlike any other in the development of the human mind. During this brief period, a child's brain creates and conditions synaptic connections at an astonishing rate as it prepares itself for a lifetime of learning and growth. The relationships and experiences a child shares with its parents and caregivers in the earliest years are crucial to the acquisition of communication and reasoning skills, the capacity to regulate emotions and behaviors, and the development of self-confidence and motivation for learning and achievement.
● As children grow older, their capacity to learn continues - but they will never have quite the same opportunity to lay such crucial neurological foundations again.
● Forty-one percent of our youngest children are subject to risk factors that threaten their ability to thrive in school and beyond. These children can be found in every county throughout the state, and although the greatest concentrations occur in metropolitan areas, Nebraska's rural counties are showing the greatest increase in their at-risk populations of children 0 to 5 years of age.
● On the whole, positive, supportive and stimulating early learning experiences and environments benefit not just the children themselves, but society in general.
o In fact, Nobel Prize-winning economist James J. Heckman calculates that high quality early childhood experiences can yield $7 for every $1 invested.
o Yet, Nebraska’s investment in early childhood continues to lag far behind what we spend each year on SPED, behavioral health, corrections and public assistance. Children who enter Kindergarten lacking the cognitive skills of their peers are likely to lag behind for the rest of their time in the K-12 system, despite the availability of costly special education programs.
● Children who are limited in their ability to regulate their emotions and make intelligent social decisions are more likely to require behavioral health services and enter the criminal justice system later in life.
The time is right for our great state to make a renewed commitment to quality early childhood programming for all Nebraska children. Partnerships with organizations like First Five Nebraska, UNL and Dr. Sam Meisels, Sixpence, as well as numerous other public and private organizations can help create a world class educational system in Nebraska.
We believe:
● Expanded early childhood programming will be an effective use of limited educational dollars resulting in improved academic performance, higher graduation and lower dropout rates and improved social behavior.
● Expanded early childhood programming will assist in stimulating the state's economy by attracting businesses to an area with skilled labor and a supportive family environment.
● Quality early childhood programs require quality teachers using researched based curriculum which must demonstrate positive results via accountability systems.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Appreciation for "Nebraska Loves Public Schools"
I just want to say "thank you" to Sally, Brittany, and the rest of the "Nebraska Loves Public Schools" organization. This group has really gone above and beyond in helping to promote the importance of a strong public education. Over the past 12-months, I've seen a lot more support and appreciation for public school systems. I've seen way more school districts begin to better promote what they're doing and who they're doing it for.
Nebraska Loves Public Schools is making a difference. They've begun to rally and unite public educators and supporters from east to west, big to small, urban to rural. There is SO MUCH to be proud of and Sally and her crew are finding unique and energetic ways to "tell our story."
A strong public education is one of the primary backbones of our nation. We're proud to do what we do and to serve ALL of our young people. With that being said, public education needs to get better. We need to become more innovative. We need to continue our important work on closing the achievement gap. We need to find more creative ways to engage parents and patrons. We're always a "work in progress" like all successful organizations should be.
Please join me in thanking "Nebraska Loves Public Schools." They're doing important work. They're making a difference. They're helping to unite and inform thousands of Nebraskans.
Nebraska Loves Public Schools is making a difference. They've begun to rally and unite public educators and supporters from east to west, big to small, urban to rural. There is SO MUCH to be proud of and Sally and her crew are finding unique and energetic ways to "tell our story."
A strong public education is one of the primary backbones of our nation. We're proud to do what we do and to serve ALL of our young people. With that being said, public education needs to get better. We need to become more innovative. We need to continue our important work on closing the achievement gap. We need to find more creative ways to engage parents and patrons. We're always a "work in progress" like all successful organizations should be.
Please join me in thanking "Nebraska Loves Public Schools." They're doing important work. They're making a difference. They're helping to unite and inform thousands of Nebraskans.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Project Phil-Anthropy through the YPS Foundation
The York Public Schools Foundation is excited to announce “Project Phil-Anthropy” to honor the late, great Phil Towle, who passed away this past April. One of the many wonderful things Phil did was help those in need. He made a difference in the lives of so many York Duke students by providing them with basic items that they couldn’t always afford on their own. He often helped purchase school clothes, shoes, school supplies, prom tickets, activity passes, paid for haircuts, and lots of other items that are important to our young people.
If you’re interested in being part of “Project Phil-Anthropy” you can make out checks to the York Public Schools Foundation and mail them to York Public Schools at 1715 N. Delaware Avenue. Please put ATTN: “Project Phil-Anthropy” on the envelope and/or check.
There will also be donation buckets at our Back to School Celebration and Community Pep Rally in East Hill Park on Tuesday, August 16th from 5:30-8:30. Look for the YPS Foundation’s Ice Cream Social to make a donation in person.
All money collected will go into a fund that will purchase and provide items for students in need just like Phil would’ve done if he was still with us. A committee of school personnel and Foundation members will oversee the account and determine purchases.
Please feel free to contact any of the following YPS Foundation members with questions, comments, and/or concerns.
Dr. Pat Hotovy
Jean Vincent
Lori Suddarth
Dale Kahla
Don Keelan-White
Todd Bartek
Kent Rauert
Amie Kopcho
Barb Skaden
Sally Ruben
Tom Brink
Mike Lucas
If you’re interested in being part of “Project Phil-Anthropy” you can make out checks to the York Public Schools Foundation and mail them to York Public Schools at 1715 N. Delaware Avenue. Please put ATTN: “Project Phil-Anthropy” on the envelope and/or check.
There will also be donation buckets at our Back to School Celebration and Community Pep Rally in East Hill Park on Tuesday, August 16th from 5:30-8:30. Look for the YPS Foundation’s Ice Cream Social to make a donation in person.
All money collected will go into a fund that will purchase and provide items for students in need just like Phil would’ve done if he was still with us. A committee of school personnel and Foundation members will oversee the account and determine purchases.
Please feel free to contact any of the following YPS Foundation members with questions, comments, and/or concerns.
Dr. Pat Hotovy
Jean Vincent
Lori Suddarth
Dale Kahla
Don Keelan-White
Todd Bartek
Kent Rauert
Amie Kopcho
Barb Skaden
Sally Ruben
Tom Brink
Mike Lucas
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
We have a School FUNDING Problem - NOT Spending
We're preparing for another amazing school year as our students return on August 11th. Our NeSA scores are at an all-time high. Our FFA program is amazing. Our Fine Arts department is as strong as any in the state. Speech and One-Act have won state championships in the past three years. Our band and vocal music programs are award-winning as well. We have several athletic teams poised to battle for more conference, district, and state championships. Extra-curriculars like Mock Trial, Robotics, and others get better and better each year. Our facilities are beautiful. We enjoy tremendous support from our parents, patrons, and community. We're adding to an already robust curriculum across the board. Life is good as a York Duke....and it's going to get even better!
This is why I get so passionate about defending what we're doing and how we're doing it. Don't believe the rhetoric that school spending causes high property taxes. I've written on this topic at least a dozen times since January. I've shared countless examples of valuation per student, tax levies, etc. Here are some more illustrations from YPS that show we have a funding problem and not a spending one.
* Our fiscal year ends on August 31st and we are projected to spend LESS in 2015-16 than we did in 2014-15. We project to spend $15,350,000 in 2015-16 compared to $15,358,531 in 2014-15
* We are projected to receive much less in 2015-16 than we did in 2014-15, however. It looks like we will receive $15,750,000 in 2015-16 compared to $16,040,850 in 2014-15. Keep in mind that we had to increase our property tax revenue by $1,000,000 when comparing this year to last year and we're still going to have LESS overall revenue. State aid went down $654,167 by itself.
* Our total, overall revenue in which to make a budget has increased just an average of 3% annually over the past three fiscal years. However, in order to make this small increase work, we’ve had to increase local property taxes by 29.9% in that same 3-year span. Yes, we have a property tax issue and we are way too reliant on local property tax revenue. We've said this for years.
* Our total, overall revenue in which to make a budget has increased just an average of 2.06% annually over the past seven fiscal years. However, in order to make that small increase work, we’ve had to increase local property taxes by 35.3% in that same 7-year span. Yes, we have a property tax issue and we are way too reliant on local property tax revenue. State Aid has gone from $3,710,000 in 2008-09 to $572,000 in 2016-17. See any correlation?
* As we look ahead to the 2016-17 fiscal year that begins on September 1st, we project that our total spending will increase about 2% over 2015-16, mostly due to fixed cost increases as we will be doing without in many areas once again as we delay curriculum adoptions, technology upgrades, and vehicle purchases. It is pretty much a sure thing that our total revenue will decrease by $200,000. We're looking to have to add $350,000 in local property tax revenue to help offset the loss of $988,000 more in state aid. You see, when you have to increase property taxes by $350,000 in order to keep your total revenue decline at $200,000 less than the year before, there's something wrong. When your total average spending increase is less than 1.8% for the past eight years, it isn't spending that's the problem.
We're real proud to serve the York Dukes. We're real proud to be part of Nebraska's public school system. We're real proud to work hard each day to get better and better. Thanks for your support.
Go Dukes!
This is why I get so passionate about defending what we're doing and how we're doing it. Don't believe the rhetoric that school spending causes high property taxes. I've written on this topic at least a dozen times since January. I've shared countless examples of valuation per student, tax levies, etc. Here are some more illustrations from YPS that show we have a funding problem and not a spending one.
* Our fiscal year ends on August 31st and we are projected to spend LESS in 2015-16 than we did in 2014-15. We project to spend $15,350,000 in 2015-16 compared to $15,358,531 in 2014-15
* We are projected to receive much less in 2015-16 than we did in 2014-15, however. It looks like we will receive $15,750,000 in 2015-16 compared to $16,040,850 in 2014-15. Keep in mind that we had to increase our property tax revenue by $1,000,000 when comparing this year to last year and we're still going to have LESS overall revenue. State aid went down $654,167 by itself.
* Our total, overall revenue in which to make a budget has increased just an average of 3% annually over the past three fiscal years. However, in order to make this small increase work, we’ve had to increase local property taxes by 29.9% in that same 3-year span. Yes, we have a property tax issue and we are way too reliant on local property tax revenue. We've said this for years.
* Our total, overall revenue in which to make a budget has increased just an average of 2.06% annually over the past seven fiscal years. However, in order to make that small increase work, we’ve had to increase local property taxes by 35.3% in that same 7-year span. Yes, we have a property tax issue and we are way too reliant on local property tax revenue. State Aid has gone from $3,710,000 in 2008-09 to $572,000 in 2016-17. See any correlation?
* As we look ahead to the 2016-17 fiscal year that begins on September 1st, we project that our total spending will increase about 2% over 2015-16, mostly due to fixed cost increases as we will be doing without in many areas once again as we delay curriculum adoptions, technology upgrades, and vehicle purchases. It is pretty much a sure thing that our total revenue will decrease by $200,000. We're looking to have to add $350,000 in local property tax revenue to help offset the loss of $988,000 more in state aid. You see, when you have to increase property taxes by $350,000 in order to keep your total revenue decline at $200,000 less than the year before, there's something wrong. When your total average spending increase is less than 1.8% for the past eight years, it isn't spending that's the problem.
We're real proud to serve the York Dukes. We're real proud to be part of Nebraska's public school system. We're real proud to work hard each day to get better and better. Thanks for your support.
Go Dukes!
Monday, July 11, 2016
Myth Busting - York Duke Style
A myth that some folks around the state are trying to perpetuate is that school district spending is the main culprit of disproportionately high property taxes. Blaming public schools allows these institutes, agencies, and officials the opportunity to push other parts of their political agendas as well.
A look at the numbers here in York allows us to dispel that notion rather easily.
York Public School’s general fund spending only increased 12.9% between 2008-09 and 2015-16 for an average annual increase of just 1.8% but yet the general fund property taxes we received increased 54.4% between 2008-09 and 2015-16. Our total general fund revenue only increased 14.3% from 2008-09 through 2015-16 for an average annual increase of just 2.0% (despite our general fund property tax collection having an average annual increase of 7.7%.) State Aid has been a wild ride for us as it hit a high of $3,714,809 in 2009 and plummets to $572,781 in 2016-17. Do you suppose the drastic cut in state aid has anything to do with our over-reliance on local property taxes?
The way schools are funded in Nebraska is the culprit for high property taxes….politicians not fully funding the state aid formula are the culprit for high property taxes….not school districts meeting the needs of its children and community. In 1998-99, K-12 public education accounted for 32% of the state’s general fund budget. Today, that percentage has plummeted to 27.4%. If K-12 education received the same percentage of the state budget today that it used to, there would be over $190 million more in the TEEOSA (state aid) formula. The TEEOSA (state aid) formula has been tweaked at least a dozen times in the past several years. In most cases, it was to minimize the allocation to K-12 education so the state could balance its budget and force schools to request more local property taxes. That's how this system works.
As a state, Nebraska ranks 49th in the nation in the percentage of its state budget that is allocated to K-12 education. As a result, Nebraska as a state ranks 2nd in the nation in the percentage of revenue for public school districts that comes from local property taxes. All Nebraska public school districts already adhere to state mandated levy limit lids as the general fund + building fund maximum levy can’t exceed $1.05. All Nebraska public school districts already adhere to state mandated spending lids.
Perhaps the cost of educating children simply increases over time, especially those with increased needs, like almost everything else in our world…
According to a nearby agricultural coop, the cost of a bag of seed corn for our farmers has jumped quite a bit in recent years. The average cost in 2009 was $280. In 2015, the average cost was $350. This is a 25% jump in just six years for an average annual increase of 4.16%...but it’s still the same size of bag with the same seed corn contents….nothing more….nothing different….nothing less….
According to www.nfda.org, the median cost for an adult funeral in the United States has increased quite a bit in recent years too. In fact, in 2004 the median cost was $5,582 and it increased to $7,181 in 2014. This is a 28.6% increase in just ten years for an average annual increase of 2.86%....but it’s still the same funeral service, same coffin comparison, same level of preparations, nothing new….nothing more….nothing less….
According to Team Marketing Research, the cost of a hot dog and small soda at Wrigley Field (Home of the Cubs) has really increased over the past few years. In 2009, a small drink and hot dog would’ve cost you $6.00 but in 2015, that same duo would've set you back $10.25. This is a 70% increase in just six years for an average annual increase of over 11.6% but it’s still just a small drink and the same hot dog…nothing more….nothing less….
Public education changes every year and is currently doing more than ever for its students and communities….costs within education, just like every other walk of life, tend to increase some over time….especially when you’re adding more students, higher needs, and expanded programming….public education is MUCH MORE than it was just six years ago….doing much more than ever with increased accountability…after-school programs, summer programs, enrichment offerings, and much more are several common additions that have been made over the past few years in numerous school systems.
Once again, York is a great example of this. As stated on the Department of Education’s website, our PreK-12th enrollment grew from 1,232 in 2008-09 to 1,389 in 2015 for a 12.7% overall increase, or annual average increase of 2.1%. (yet less than our average spending growth.) The percentage of our students qualifying for free/reduced meals grew from 33.9% in 2008-09 to 45% in 2015 for an overall increase of 11.1%, or annual average increase of 1.85%. With this shift in demographics, we're dealing with increased student/family needs.
So, the next time you hear that public schools are to blame for high property taxes, do some digging and find out what's really going on with that district's revenue and spending data that is audit certified each fall. The institutes, agencies, and elected officials that want to see us fail won't like it but that's ok.
Go Dukes!
A look at the numbers here in York allows us to dispel that notion rather easily.
York Public School’s general fund spending only increased 12.9% between 2008-09 and 2015-16 for an average annual increase of just 1.8% but yet the general fund property taxes we received increased 54.4% between 2008-09 and 2015-16. Our total general fund revenue only increased 14.3% from 2008-09 through 2015-16 for an average annual increase of just 2.0% (despite our general fund property tax collection having an average annual increase of 7.7%.) State Aid has been a wild ride for us as it hit a high of $3,714,809 in 2009 and plummets to $572,781 in 2016-17. Do you suppose the drastic cut in state aid has anything to do with our over-reliance on local property taxes?
The way schools are funded in Nebraska is the culprit for high property taxes….politicians not fully funding the state aid formula are the culprit for high property taxes….not school districts meeting the needs of its children and community. In 1998-99, K-12 public education accounted for 32% of the state’s general fund budget. Today, that percentage has plummeted to 27.4%. If K-12 education received the same percentage of the state budget today that it used to, there would be over $190 million more in the TEEOSA (state aid) formula. The TEEOSA (state aid) formula has been tweaked at least a dozen times in the past several years. In most cases, it was to minimize the allocation to K-12 education so the state could balance its budget and force schools to request more local property taxes. That's how this system works.
As a state, Nebraska ranks 49th in the nation in the percentage of its state budget that is allocated to K-12 education. As a result, Nebraska as a state ranks 2nd in the nation in the percentage of revenue for public school districts that comes from local property taxes. All Nebraska public school districts already adhere to state mandated levy limit lids as the general fund + building fund maximum levy can’t exceed $1.05. All Nebraska public school districts already adhere to state mandated spending lids.
Perhaps the cost of educating children simply increases over time, especially those with increased needs, like almost everything else in our world…
According to a nearby agricultural coop, the cost of a bag of seed corn for our farmers has jumped quite a bit in recent years. The average cost in 2009 was $280. In 2015, the average cost was $350. This is a 25% jump in just six years for an average annual increase of 4.16%...but it’s still the same size of bag with the same seed corn contents….nothing more….nothing different….nothing less….
According to www.nfda.org, the median cost for an adult funeral in the United States has increased quite a bit in recent years too. In fact, in 2004 the median cost was $5,582 and it increased to $7,181 in 2014. This is a 28.6% increase in just ten years for an average annual increase of 2.86%....but it’s still the same funeral service, same coffin comparison, same level of preparations, nothing new….nothing more….nothing less….
According to Team Marketing Research, the cost of a hot dog and small soda at Wrigley Field (Home of the Cubs) has really increased over the past few years. In 2009, a small drink and hot dog would’ve cost you $6.00 but in 2015, that same duo would've set you back $10.25. This is a 70% increase in just six years for an average annual increase of over 11.6% but it’s still just a small drink and the same hot dog…nothing more….nothing less….
Public education changes every year and is currently doing more than ever for its students and communities….costs within education, just like every other walk of life, tend to increase some over time….especially when you’re adding more students, higher needs, and expanded programming….public education is MUCH MORE than it was just six years ago….doing much more than ever with increased accountability…after-school programs, summer programs, enrichment offerings, and much more are several common additions that have been made over the past few years in numerous school systems.
Once again, York is a great example of this. As stated on the Department of Education’s website, our PreK-12th enrollment grew from 1,232 in 2008-09 to 1,389 in 2015 for a 12.7% overall increase, or annual average increase of 2.1%. (yet less than our average spending growth.) The percentage of our students qualifying for free/reduced meals grew from 33.9% in 2008-09 to 45% in 2015 for an overall increase of 11.1%, or annual average increase of 1.85%. With this shift in demographics, we're dealing with increased student/family needs.
So, the next time you hear that public schools are to blame for high property taxes, do some digging and find out what's really going on with that district's revenue and spending data that is audit certified each fall. The institutes, agencies, and elected officials that want to see us fail won't like it but that's ok.
Go Dukes!
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
A Tribute to those that Provide Hope for Others
Coach Pat Summitt passed away earlier this morning. She deserves credit for being a pioneer in women's athletics and is considered by many as a national treasure. Yes, she won lots of games...1,098 I think. She also won 8 national championships and countless conference championships. That's great and all but she did so much more than just win.
Pat Summitt is a shining example of someone that made a tremendous difference in the lives of others by instilling in them "hope." I've read lots of books about Coach Summitt. I've seen every documentary ever made about her. She's a hero, plain and simple. I can make an extremely convincing argument that she's the greatest coach of all-time in any sport, any era, regardless of gender.
I so admire those that provide "hope" to others. Coach Summitt coached at Tennessee for over 40 years. She began by making $250 per month and was in charge of doing her team's laundry. She didn't care. She was 22 years old and just wanted to lead. And lead she did!
During her reign, she was a driving force for helping female sports get the support and recognition they deserve. The WNBA is celebrating its 20th year this season and nobody on the planet was more responsible for getting that league created and established more than Coach Summitt.
Coach Summitt instilled hope into many young student-athletes that hadn't had much hope and direction in their lives until they met her. She helped youngsters create a process that led to positive achievements, sustained success, and hope for a better tomorrow. Pat Summitt got people to believe in themselves and those around them and created a culture of trust, support, and team before self.
Coach Summitt was a teacher and a coach. She is responsible for hundreds of female leaders today that use the leadership principles they learned from her. She gave direction, purpose, and hope to a program and university that had never before had that sense of belonging.
When you think about the best teachers, coaches, and leaders you know...I bet they provide you with confidence and hope as well.
When I think of the amazing teachers and school personnel I've been lucky enough to know and work with, that's exactly what they do. They provide structure and hope for a better tomorrow in so many kids that need it now more than ever. Every unsuccessful person on the earth today is simply just one caring adult away from turning it around. One single person can make another person better. Do you have the courage to stand up like Coach Summitt did and help others? Can you believe in them so they can believe in themselves?
I hope so!
Pat Summitt is a shining example of someone that made a tremendous difference in the lives of others by instilling in them "hope." I've read lots of books about Coach Summitt. I've seen every documentary ever made about her. She's a hero, plain and simple. I can make an extremely convincing argument that she's the greatest coach of all-time in any sport, any era, regardless of gender.
I so admire those that provide "hope" to others. Coach Summitt coached at Tennessee for over 40 years. She began by making $250 per month and was in charge of doing her team's laundry. She didn't care. She was 22 years old and just wanted to lead. And lead she did!
During her reign, she was a driving force for helping female sports get the support and recognition they deserve. The WNBA is celebrating its 20th year this season and nobody on the planet was more responsible for getting that league created and established more than Coach Summitt.
Coach Summitt instilled hope into many young student-athletes that hadn't had much hope and direction in their lives until they met her. She helped youngsters create a process that led to positive achievements, sustained success, and hope for a better tomorrow. Pat Summitt got people to believe in themselves and those around them and created a culture of trust, support, and team before self.
Coach Summitt was a teacher and a coach. She is responsible for hundreds of female leaders today that use the leadership principles they learned from her. She gave direction, purpose, and hope to a program and university that had never before had that sense of belonging.
When you think about the best teachers, coaches, and leaders you know...I bet they provide you with confidence and hope as well.
When I think of the amazing teachers and school personnel I've been lucky enough to know and work with, that's exactly what they do. They provide structure and hope for a better tomorrow in so many kids that need it now more than ever. Every unsuccessful person on the earth today is simply just one caring adult away from turning it around. One single person can make another person better. Do you have the courage to stand up like Coach Summitt did and help others? Can you believe in them so they can believe in themselves?
I hope so!
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
An Update from York Public Schools
York Public Schools is having a very productive summer and we hope you are as well. There is always lots to do to wrap up the past school year and feverishly prepare for the coming year.
Some Selected Highlights of our Summer
• Numerous teachers have been working on curriculum alignment, professional development, and/or specialized instructional methods
• Driver’s Education has been in full gear
• Our BOOST and ALL-STARS programs at YES and YMS have been enjoying their six weeks of free academic and enrichment programming that runs daily and is supported by grant funds
• The Free Breakfast and Lunch program at YES has served an average of over 150 meals daily
• Our Enrichment Center will move from behind the 16th Street Car Wash into the old Sports Shop east of the Courthouse in July
• YES is receiving new entry way doors and bathroom flooring
• The district office is working on mandatory state reporting as we wrap up the 2015-16 school year and prepare for 2016-17
• We’re excited about our “Entrepreneurship Academy” that will run from July 11th-16th in conjunction with the York Chamber, YCDC, and Extension Office as students from YPS, Emmanuel-Faith, and St. Joseph’s will learn about entrepreneurism, design products, and sell them at the York Sidewalk Sales on Saturday, July 16th
• The 2016-17 budget is beginning to take shape as we will have opportunities for patrons to come and learn more about our budget on August 8th, August 22nd, and/or September 12th
School Starts Thursday, August 11th
No doubt, we’ll begin to hear over the next few weeks that “school starts too early.” This happens each July as folks begin to realize their summer is winding down. Below are some “school calendar” issues that we always try to address.
• First off, we shoot for 179 days of school for YHS with YMS and YHS having a few less due to different parent-teacher conference formats
• This allows us to provide two “free” snow days for students and staff before we would need to begin adding days back at the end of school in May
• Since we offer so many semester-long courses at YHS, we try to ensure that 1st and 2nd semester are about the same number of days so each course is able to cover the same curriculum regardless of whether or not a student takes it in the fall or spring semester
• We’ve also heard from a lot of students and staff over the years that they truly prefer that 1st semester finals take place by Christmas Break
• We also have heard from lots of families and staff that they prefer Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday being taken off at Thanksgiving and our 3-day Spring Break as well
• Graduation has moved off of Memorial Day weekend, to the delight of many, and has shortened the amount of school day choices we have in May
When you factor in all of these issues, we begin school a little earlier than what we used to. We still have 179 student days like we’ve had for a long, long time; it just looks a little different.
Back to School Celebration and Community Pep Rally
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 16th as we will have our “Back to School Celebration” and Community Pep Rally at East Hill Park. The Celebration will begin at 5:30 with vendors, inflatables, etc. The Pep Rally will begin at 7:30. We will once again involve St. Joseph’s Catholic, Emmanuel Faith-Lutheran, York County Head Start, and all YPS buildings. Any vendors that are interested in attending can contact Mike Lucas at mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org.
Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, and Yorkfest
We are excited to work with the Chamber of Commerce to have YHS Homecoming and Alumni Weekend in conjunction with Yorkfest this September 8th-11th. We will have an “alumni tailgate” dinner at our September 9th YHS Homecoming football game at East Hill Park as well as a halftime recognition. We will also offer school tours for our alumni to see how things have changed. Look for more details to come out in August. Please let any alumni know that this would be a wonderful time to come back and show their “Duke Pride” while taking advantage of all the wonderful Yorkfest activities as well as YHS offerings.
Thankful Reflection
As we begin full throttle preparations for another school year, my 8th here in York, I simply want to sincerely thank all of our students, staff, parents, and patrons for your support of York Public Schools. We are proud of the important work we do and know that we must continue to push hard to get better and better. This community deserves the best!
We’d also like to thank the York News-Times for the tremendous job they do. We are so fortunate to have a newspaper that is committed to excellence. York is an outstanding place full of wonderful people. We feel honored to be a part of it.
Go Dukes!
Mike Lucas
Some Selected Highlights of our Summer
• Numerous teachers have been working on curriculum alignment, professional development, and/or specialized instructional methods
• Driver’s Education has been in full gear
• Our BOOST and ALL-STARS programs at YES and YMS have been enjoying their six weeks of free academic and enrichment programming that runs daily and is supported by grant funds
• The Free Breakfast and Lunch program at YES has served an average of over 150 meals daily
• Our Enrichment Center will move from behind the 16th Street Car Wash into the old Sports Shop east of the Courthouse in July
• YES is receiving new entry way doors and bathroom flooring
• The district office is working on mandatory state reporting as we wrap up the 2015-16 school year and prepare for 2016-17
• We’re excited about our “Entrepreneurship Academy” that will run from July 11th-16th in conjunction with the York Chamber, YCDC, and Extension Office as students from YPS, Emmanuel-Faith, and St. Joseph’s will learn about entrepreneurism, design products, and sell them at the York Sidewalk Sales on Saturday, July 16th
• The 2016-17 budget is beginning to take shape as we will have opportunities for patrons to come and learn more about our budget on August 8th, August 22nd, and/or September 12th
School Starts Thursday, August 11th
No doubt, we’ll begin to hear over the next few weeks that “school starts too early.” This happens each July as folks begin to realize their summer is winding down. Below are some “school calendar” issues that we always try to address.
• First off, we shoot for 179 days of school for YHS with YMS and YHS having a few less due to different parent-teacher conference formats
• This allows us to provide two “free” snow days for students and staff before we would need to begin adding days back at the end of school in May
• Since we offer so many semester-long courses at YHS, we try to ensure that 1st and 2nd semester are about the same number of days so each course is able to cover the same curriculum regardless of whether or not a student takes it in the fall or spring semester
• We’ve also heard from a lot of students and staff over the years that they truly prefer that 1st semester finals take place by Christmas Break
• We also have heard from lots of families and staff that they prefer Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday being taken off at Thanksgiving and our 3-day Spring Break as well
• Graduation has moved off of Memorial Day weekend, to the delight of many, and has shortened the amount of school day choices we have in May
When you factor in all of these issues, we begin school a little earlier than what we used to. We still have 179 student days like we’ve had for a long, long time; it just looks a little different.
Back to School Celebration and Community Pep Rally
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 16th as we will have our “Back to School Celebration” and Community Pep Rally at East Hill Park. The Celebration will begin at 5:30 with vendors, inflatables, etc. The Pep Rally will begin at 7:30. We will once again involve St. Joseph’s Catholic, Emmanuel Faith-Lutheran, York County Head Start, and all YPS buildings. Any vendors that are interested in attending can contact Mike Lucas at mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org.
Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, and Yorkfest
We are excited to work with the Chamber of Commerce to have YHS Homecoming and Alumni Weekend in conjunction with Yorkfest this September 8th-11th. We will have an “alumni tailgate” dinner at our September 9th YHS Homecoming football game at East Hill Park as well as a halftime recognition. We will also offer school tours for our alumni to see how things have changed. Look for more details to come out in August. Please let any alumni know that this would be a wonderful time to come back and show their “Duke Pride” while taking advantage of all the wonderful Yorkfest activities as well as YHS offerings.
Thankful Reflection
As we begin full throttle preparations for another school year, my 8th here in York, I simply want to sincerely thank all of our students, staff, parents, and patrons for your support of York Public Schools. We are proud of the important work we do and know that we must continue to push hard to get better and better. This community deserves the best!
We’d also like to thank the York News-Times for the tremendous job they do. We are so fortunate to have a newspaper that is committed to excellence. York is an outstanding place full of wonderful people. We feel honored to be a part of it.
Go Dukes!
Mike Lucas
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
145 Years Old and Getting Better with "The Process"
York Public Schools became an official district 145 years ago today on June 14, 1871. We are so proud of our rich tradition. We are so proud of all the York Dukes that have come before us, what they achieved, what they stood for, and what they endured. We feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to build upon our district's many successes and proud tradition.
I believe that our staff and students understand that we work hard to represent our community, our school district, and our alumni in a positive fashion in everything we do. We simply want to make sure that when our time is up that we've left York Public Schools better than it was when we got here.
I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish the past seven years in York. However, we can't be satisfied or lose our sense of urgency and desire to get better in everything we do. We try to compartmentalize each year and they all take on their own identity and life. 2015-16 was awesome but it is over. We have to work harder than ever to make sure 2016-17 is phenomenal. Attention to detail, trust, respect for all, and an insane work ethic will go a long way in determining how high we can go this next school year.
Great leaders like Jimbo Fisher often tell organizations and teams to "focus on the process" and the results will take care of themselves. Too often, we get hung up on success, winning, and failure without worrying enough about the "processes" we go through to prepare to be successful. We can't have a successful 2016-17 budget in July. We have to focus on the budget preparation process this July to ensure that our budget is successful when it counts next fiscal year. We can't win another softball district championship in August. We simply have to prepare to do the little things right so that when it comes time to compete for another championship, we're ready because the process has been put into place. We can't win another speech championship until 2017 so sitting around thinking about it now isn't as important as preparing for it now. Preparation is the key. Being purposeful in what you do as you pursue goals is the key. Defining exactly what it is you want is the place to start. Then, you need to put plans in place to get there.
I guess what I'm trying to say is we all have to enjoy "the journey" or "the process" and not lose sight of it due to being so focused on the end results or destination. Enjoy the ride. Chunk it down. Do the little things well so the big things will be successful. Be purposeful in your daily planning as that is what adds up each day to put you in position to be successful when the time comes. Win one day at a time. Heck, win one hour at a time. "The Process" precedes positive results. Embrace it.
Go Dukes!
I believe that our staff and students understand that we work hard to represent our community, our school district, and our alumni in a positive fashion in everything we do. We simply want to make sure that when our time is up that we've left York Public Schools better than it was when we got here.
I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish the past seven years in York. However, we can't be satisfied or lose our sense of urgency and desire to get better in everything we do. We try to compartmentalize each year and they all take on their own identity and life. 2015-16 was awesome but it is over. We have to work harder than ever to make sure 2016-17 is phenomenal. Attention to detail, trust, respect for all, and an insane work ethic will go a long way in determining how high we can go this next school year.
Great leaders like Jimbo Fisher often tell organizations and teams to "focus on the process" and the results will take care of themselves. Too often, we get hung up on success, winning, and failure without worrying enough about the "processes" we go through to prepare to be successful. We can't have a successful 2016-17 budget in July. We have to focus on the budget preparation process this July to ensure that our budget is successful when it counts next fiscal year. We can't win another softball district championship in August. We simply have to prepare to do the little things right so that when it comes time to compete for another championship, we're ready because the process has been put into place. We can't win another speech championship until 2017 so sitting around thinking about it now isn't as important as preparing for it now. Preparation is the key. Being purposeful in what you do as you pursue goals is the key. Defining exactly what it is you want is the place to start. Then, you need to put plans in place to get there.
I guess what I'm trying to say is we all have to enjoy "the journey" or "the process" and not lose sight of it due to being so focused on the end results or destination. Enjoy the ride. Chunk it down. Do the little things well so the big things will be successful. Be purposeful in your daily planning as that is what adds up each day to put you in position to be successful when the time comes. Win one day at a time. Heck, win one hour at a time. "The Process" precedes positive results. Embrace it.
Go Dukes!
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
June 8, 1990
Today is obviously June 8th and that typically makes me take a stroll back down Memory Lane to 1990. You see, I graduated from high school on June 8, 1990. It kind of seems like yesterday in many ways and then it seems like 150 years ago in other ways.
Little did I know on June 8, 1990 that I would marry a girl from Nebraska! There was no way to tell that we would have four children and that I would end up a school administrator!
Life is funny. The twists and turns and zigs and zags that you take and don't take all add up and play a huge part in where you're at today, who you're with, and what your future looks like.
Agreeing to play football out of state in Atchison, Kansas at Benedictine College was the first major decision that impacted my future. I didn't know then but I would never ever live in my beloved Florida again once I reported for 3-a-days in August 1990.
Meeting Liesl Dean from Omaha, Nebraska in the Benedictine Library was the next twist of fate. You see, she had a work study assignment in the college library and I wasn't exactly the smartest guy on campus. I was scurrying one night to try and type up a paper for a class when I asked her to help me with the computer. After I summoned her over, I confessed to her that I didn't know how to turn the computer on. She thought I was kidding. Sadly, I was not. It took me a lot longer to get to know her better and garner the courage to ask her out but that happened in 1991 and that was all she wrote....I was whipped and still am today.
I began my college career as an accounting major but was never able to fully grasp "debits" and "credits." My accounting professor, who was a huge football fan, told me he saw me as more of an educator than an accountant. He told me to go talk to Olive Burns in the Education Dept and my life took another turn. She talked me into becoming an elementary education major. I loved it. The four years I spent as a 3rd grade teacher and football and basketball coach at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas were amazing. I was lucky to be a part of USD #207.
In late May 1995, I had just finished my first year of teaching and was loving life. I had planned to spend the upcoming summer catching fish and playing softball. My wife had other plans. Unbeknownst to me, she had signed me up for "educational leadership" classes at Benedictine College, where they had just started their brand new Masters' Program. I was livid. I couldn't believe she would do that!
I went to class the first day with a horrible attitude. I couldn't stand school principals. No way in the world did I want to become one! I really disliked most of the principals and assistant principals I had in middle school and high school and wanted no part of that world. This was not going to be fun!
As luck would have it, my professor for the first leadership class I ever took was a pretty dynamic guy by the name of Dr. Steve Joel, who is now superintendent of schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. Steve had been superintendent of schools in Troy, Kansas and had made connections with Benedictine to teach for them. By lunchtime on day #1, I was hooked and wanted nothing more than to become a school leader. Talk about a complete 180 degree turnaround in just four hours! Ironically, I now teach that same class at Benedictine as Steve turned it over to me several years ago.
Now, I've just finished my 18th year of school leadership and have 13-15 more to go. Who would have ever thought? I hope to be in York for another five years or more. Opportunities have been there to leave but we've had no desire to quit being a Duke. This is a special place with tremendous people. Sometimes, doing "nothing" is more important than doing "something."
It all began on June 8, 1990 with a handshake and receiving of my high school diploma. Then, the wheels of motion took over and it's been a great ride so far with hopefully many more chapters to come!
Had I transferred from Benedictine to Troy State in December 1990 like I wanted to, no telling what could have happened. Had I not visited with Olive Burns about becoming an education major, who knows where I would be today. Had Liesl and I never dated, would I have ended up back in Florida? Would I have had a wife that pushed me and supported me as much as she did/has? Had Steve Joel not taught that first class, would I have been so enthusiastic about becoming a school administrator? Had we left York by now, would I love my job as much as I do now?
Zigs and zags, twists and turns, and forks in the road all add up and make us who we are today. Enjoy the journey!
Little did I know on June 8, 1990 that I would marry a girl from Nebraska! There was no way to tell that we would have four children and that I would end up a school administrator!
Life is funny. The twists and turns and zigs and zags that you take and don't take all add up and play a huge part in where you're at today, who you're with, and what your future looks like.
Agreeing to play football out of state in Atchison, Kansas at Benedictine College was the first major decision that impacted my future. I didn't know then but I would never ever live in my beloved Florida again once I reported for 3-a-days in August 1990.
Meeting Liesl Dean from Omaha, Nebraska in the Benedictine Library was the next twist of fate. You see, she had a work study assignment in the college library and I wasn't exactly the smartest guy on campus. I was scurrying one night to try and type up a paper for a class when I asked her to help me with the computer. After I summoned her over, I confessed to her that I didn't know how to turn the computer on. She thought I was kidding. Sadly, I was not. It took me a lot longer to get to know her better and garner the courage to ask her out but that happened in 1991 and that was all she wrote....I was whipped and still am today.
I began my college career as an accounting major but was never able to fully grasp "debits" and "credits." My accounting professor, who was a huge football fan, told me he saw me as more of an educator than an accountant. He told me to go talk to Olive Burns in the Education Dept and my life took another turn. She talked me into becoming an elementary education major. I loved it. The four years I spent as a 3rd grade teacher and football and basketball coach at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas were amazing. I was lucky to be a part of USD #207.
In late May 1995, I had just finished my first year of teaching and was loving life. I had planned to spend the upcoming summer catching fish and playing softball. My wife had other plans. Unbeknownst to me, she had signed me up for "educational leadership" classes at Benedictine College, where they had just started their brand new Masters' Program. I was livid. I couldn't believe she would do that!
I went to class the first day with a horrible attitude. I couldn't stand school principals. No way in the world did I want to become one! I really disliked most of the principals and assistant principals I had in middle school and high school and wanted no part of that world. This was not going to be fun!
As luck would have it, my professor for the first leadership class I ever took was a pretty dynamic guy by the name of Dr. Steve Joel, who is now superintendent of schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. Steve had been superintendent of schools in Troy, Kansas and had made connections with Benedictine to teach for them. By lunchtime on day #1, I was hooked and wanted nothing more than to become a school leader. Talk about a complete 180 degree turnaround in just four hours! Ironically, I now teach that same class at Benedictine as Steve turned it over to me several years ago.
Now, I've just finished my 18th year of school leadership and have 13-15 more to go. Who would have ever thought? I hope to be in York for another five years or more. Opportunities have been there to leave but we've had no desire to quit being a Duke. This is a special place with tremendous people. Sometimes, doing "nothing" is more important than doing "something."
It all began on June 8, 1990 with a handshake and receiving of my high school diploma. Then, the wheels of motion took over and it's been a great ride so far with hopefully many more chapters to come!
Had I transferred from Benedictine to Troy State in December 1990 like I wanted to, no telling what could have happened. Had I not visited with Olive Burns about becoming an education major, who knows where I would be today. Had Liesl and I never dated, would I have ended up back in Florida? Would I have had a wife that pushed me and supported me as much as she did/has? Had Steve Joel not taught that first class, would I have been so enthusiastic about becoming a school administrator? Had we left York by now, would I love my job as much as I do now?
Zigs and zags, twists and turns, and forks in the road all add up and make us who we are today. Enjoy the journey!
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Summer, Summer, Summer
Summer is a very busy time for York Public Schools.
We have 75+ elementary students involved in our Summer BOOST Program, which extends the school day and school year through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. We are serving FREE breakfasts and lunches for 1-18 year olds each week day through July 8th out of YES and are averaging over 165 student meals daily so far. We have credit recovery summer school going on the month of June at the Enrichment Center for high school students that need to earn credits.
In addition, we're also cranking up our Driver's Education programming. We also offer a wide array of athletic camps for youth, with basketball and wrestling clinics going on right now. On Monday, June 6th, Cal Williams and Jason Hirschfeld will host a large gathering of ag educators at YHS to discuss the importance of agriculture education in our schools.
Throughout the summer, we have staff from our Family Foundations and Special Education departments that will work with students and families on a very regular basis. Our technology department is again offering "Wired on Wednesdays" professional development offerings for teachers and support staff that want to come in and learn about different technology integration tools and initiatives. Title I teachers offer a summer reading program one day a week all summer.
The weight room opens on Monday and will be visited by over 120 student-athletes daily all summer. June and July are also the months that we get important "summer facility projects" completed. This year, YES will get new entry doors, for example. Concrete work will be done on each campus. YMS will receive some new entry way carpet. YHS will receive new locker room lockers, has had the old wrestling room turned into an organized and clean storage area, clean-up is underway in the CWAC, etc.
Many of our teachers are also working on curriculum updates and instructional strategies. Our school improvement plan is being worked on. The board of education will have a planning retreat with the administrative team and the beat goes on and on and on. We'll be moving our Enrichment Center from behind the North Runza to 522 Grant Avenue where the old "Sports Shop" used to be located.
Oh, and I forgot to mention, we'll also be putting together a budget for 2016-17 that includes a loss in state aid of $1,200,000 and no valuation increase for land within the YPS boundaries.
As you can see, the summer is extremely busy and we need to make sure we get a lot accomplished so the fall and spring can be as efficient and enjoyable as possible.
Our teachers and staff return on August 8th and school begins on August 11th. We'll be ready!
GO DUKES!
We have 75+ elementary students involved in our Summer BOOST Program, which extends the school day and school year through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. We are serving FREE breakfasts and lunches for 1-18 year olds each week day through July 8th out of YES and are averaging over 165 student meals daily so far. We have credit recovery summer school going on the month of June at the Enrichment Center for high school students that need to earn credits.
In addition, we're also cranking up our Driver's Education programming. We also offer a wide array of athletic camps for youth, with basketball and wrestling clinics going on right now. On Monday, June 6th, Cal Williams and Jason Hirschfeld will host a large gathering of ag educators at YHS to discuss the importance of agriculture education in our schools.
Throughout the summer, we have staff from our Family Foundations and Special Education departments that will work with students and families on a very regular basis. Our technology department is again offering "Wired on Wednesdays" professional development offerings for teachers and support staff that want to come in and learn about different technology integration tools and initiatives. Title I teachers offer a summer reading program one day a week all summer.
The weight room opens on Monday and will be visited by over 120 student-athletes daily all summer. June and July are also the months that we get important "summer facility projects" completed. This year, YES will get new entry doors, for example. Concrete work will be done on each campus. YMS will receive some new entry way carpet. YHS will receive new locker room lockers, has had the old wrestling room turned into an organized and clean storage area, clean-up is underway in the CWAC, etc.
Many of our teachers are also working on curriculum updates and instructional strategies. Our school improvement plan is being worked on. The board of education will have a planning retreat with the administrative team and the beat goes on and on and on. We'll be moving our Enrichment Center from behind the North Runza to 522 Grant Avenue where the old "Sports Shop" used to be located.
Oh, and I forgot to mention, we'll also be putting together a budget for 2016-17 that includes a loss in state aid of $1,200,000 and no valuation increase for land within the YPS boundaries.
As you can see, the summer is extremely busy and we need to make sure we get a lot accomplished so the fall and spring can be as efficient and enjoyable as possible.
Our teachers and staff return on August 8th and school begins on August 11th. We'll be ready!
GO DUKES!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Nebraska - No Charter Schools Needed
Nebraska remains one of the few states in this great nation that has not yet succumbed to the charter school movement. However, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes that most Nebraskans are simply unaware of. The “far right” minded folks in our state are working feverishly to propose new charter legislation. The far right is also hand-picking state senator candidates that are keeping secret their wishes to discredit and undermine Nebraska public education so they can usher in charter schools. It's pretty scary. This is going on right now and most are oblivious to it.
Nebraska’s public schools are some of the best in the nation. Whether you look at graduation rates, average ACT scores, or the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Nebraska ranks as one of the top 12 states in the entire country in numerous categories. With that being said, Nebraska’s public schools need to improve just like any other organization does. There is always something to do better.
Like all states, Nebraska does have some low-performing schools. Not surprising to anyone in the educational profession, these lower performing schools have an extremely high rate of poverty. What can charter schools do differently for children living in extreme poverty that public schools aren’t already doing?
On April 26th, an organization sent some tweets to me because they didn’t like my blog, “Why I am Opposed to Charter Schools in Nebraska.” We tweeted back and forth for a little while that evening. Two tweets they sent to me really stood out as they said…
1) “Don’t live in denial of reality, there are kids struggling who need other options.”
2) “The opposition (to charter schools) won’t be remembered kindly in history.”
In regards to #1 above, I totally understand there are kids struggling. I see them every day. We work with them, and their families, all of the time. We provide extra services for them all year long. We provide educational services, counseling, clothing, food, toothpaste, and numerous other things most people have no idea about. What other options are out there for these strugglers? Again, if the far right charter school supporters have all the answers on how to “fix” struggling kids, most of which live in extreme poverty, shouldn’t they be obligated to share the solution?
In regards to #2, I don’t do my job worrying about whether or not I will be remembered kindly. I oppose charter schools because they aren’t better than public schools, they don’t play by the same rules as public schools, and the way the far right in Nebraska is going about them is just plain wrong and deceptive.
I chose to get into education because I love working with kids. I began as a 3rd grade teacher. Education is my passion. I think about my students and my job 365 days a year like thousands of other dedicated educators in Nebraska.
I’m truly perplexed by those that want to push for charter schools. I am reaching out for answers...please help me understand.
1) If charter schools are so wonderful (even though there is tons of data that show they are less effective than public schools), why don’t we all become charter schools?
2) Do charter schools serve ALL students? The ones with severe physical, emotional, and learning disabilities?
3) Do charter schools use the same funding mechanisms as public schools?
4) If so, do they have the same level of accountability?
5) Are charter schools governed by a locally elected board of education or a group of far right strategists? Do they hold open board meetings?
6) What do charter schools provide that public schools don’t?
I hate to sound like a broken record but I worry about Nebraska's future. Are we going to stand by and let the far right manipulate their way into the charter school movement? Nebraskans should know better.
Nebraska’s public schools are some of the best in the nation. Whether you look at graduation rates, average ACT scores, or the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Nebraska ranks as one of the top 12 states in the entire country in numerous categories. With that being said, Nebraska’s public schools need to improve just like any other organization does. There is always something to do better.
Like all states, Nebraska does have some low-performing schools. Not surprising to anyone in the educational profession, these lower performing schools have an extremely high rate of poverty. What can charter schools do differently for children living in extreme poverty that public schools aren’t already doing?
On April 26th, an organization sent some tweets to me because they didn’t like my blog, “Why I am Opposed to Charter Schools in Nebraska.” We tweeted back and forth for a little while that evening. Two tweets they sent to me really stood out as they said…
1) “Don’t live in denial of reality, there are kids struggling who need other options.”
2) “The opposition (to charter schools) won’t be remembered kindly in history.”
In regards to #1 above, I totally understand there are kids struggling. I see them every day. We work with them, and their families, all of the time. We provide extra services for them all year long. We provide educational services, counseling, clothing, food, toothpaste, and numerous other things most people have no idea about. What other options are out there for these strugglers? Again, if the far right charter school supporters have all the answers on how to “fix” struggling kids, most of which live in extreme poverty, shouldn’t they be obligated to share the solution?
In regards to #2, I don’t do my job worrying about whether or not I will be remembered kindly. I oppose charter schools because they aren’t better than public schools, they don’t play by the same rules as public schools, and the way the far right in Nebraska is going about them is just plain wrong and deceptive.
I chose to get into education because I love working with kids. I began as a 3rd grade teacher. Education is my passion. I think about my students and my job 365 days a year like thousands of other dedicated educators in Nebraska.
I’m truly perplexed by those that want to push for charter schools. I am reaching out for answers...please help me understand.
1) If charter schools are so wonderful (even though there is tons of data that show they are less effective than public schools), why don’t we all become charter schools?
2) Do charter schools serve ALL students? The ones with severe physical, emotional, and learning disabilities?
3) Do charter schools use the same funding mechanisms as public schools?
4) If so, do they have the same level of accountability?
5) Are charter schools governed by a locally elected board of education or a group of far right strategists? Do they hold open board meetings?
6) What do charter schools provide that public schools don’t?
I hate to sound like a broken record but I worry about Nebraska's future. Are we going to stand by and let the far right manipulate their way into the charter school movement? Nebraskans should know better.
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