My blog this week is centered around a poem I found by Leo Thomas. It is about "letting go." To me, it is about letting go of a comfort zone, being brave enough to try new things, and to attack a new challenge. Change is always hard for all of us. I've found that the best parents, the best teachers, the best leaders have all been able to embrace change as necessary while also sticking to and not compromising on their core principles.
We are all faced with new challenges and opportunities. As the last few lines of this poem say, "when the time comes for you to change again, listen to your heart, for then, you will surely know..."
We all make conscious decisions on a daily basis about "this" or "that" decision, about this opportunity, or that circumstance. Listen to your heart, make a decision, and LET IT GO.
Letting Go...
You know it's time to grow,
When you feel as though,
You've been living isolated, as in a silo.
You'll feel it in your heart,
You'll no longer want to play the part
That you already know.
That's when it's time
To stretch your feelings and your mind
By letting go of what you know.
Change, at first, might feel strange,
But now's the time to reach for the unknown.
We fear new heights but, most of all,
We fear the possibility that we might fall.
But only by letting go can we ever be exposed,
To all the new things that we need to grow,
Even though, it might seem scary
At the time, to do so.
So worry not, dear friend.
When the time comes for you to change again,
Listen to your heart, for then,
You will surely know...
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Through the Years.....
This 2015-16 school year is my 22nd year in public education. My first four years were spent as a 3rd grade teacher and high school football and basketball coach at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. They were four amazing years that I wouldn't trade for anything. I still think about the students I taught and coached and so many of the fun things we worked on together. Fort Leavenworth was an awesome place to teach and coach. We had all of the resources and support you could ever want or need. I was fortunate to teach and coach there.
In June of 1998, I left "The Fort" to begin my career in school administration. I was a 25-year old kid that was charged with leading Bartlett Grade School, a K-8 school in southeast Kansas of about 160 students. It was a wonderful place to begin my leadership career. Though I was only there for the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 school years, I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do as a school leader. We lived in Parsons, KS and that was a little too far from Omaha than my wife wanted so in June 2000, we left for West Point, Nebraska to be closer to my wife's family in Omaha.
We spent three great years in West Point as K-6 principal. We were there on September 11, 2001, which I will never forget. We made lots of friends that we still stay in touch with today. It was a tough decision to leave West Point but I wanted to become a superintendent and that bug bit me really hard in the winter of 2003. That January, we received offers to become the next superintendent at Shelby and Kenesaw but my wife didn't want to accept either position. My attention then turned to an assistant superintendent position in Ralston. I had always wanted to be in "the metro" and see what it was like to work there. We made it to the final two but I was not offered the position. I was devastated for a few days but was then re-charged and ready to continue our important work at West Point Elementary.
That March, I received a phone call that Franklin, NE was looking for a superintendent. I wasn't excited about going back through the process of applying, etc. Wilber-Clatonia also opened up. After a few days, I was talked into applying for both. In early April, I interviewed at Wilber-Clatonia on a Wednesday and Franklin on a Thursday. We were fortunate to get the job offer from Franklin that Thursday night and it was a sleepless night for Liesl and I trying to decide what to do.
That Friday, we accepted the position and before I knew it, I was a 30-year old kid superintendent that really had no idea what I was supposed to do! We served in Franklin from 2003-2009 as superintendent but also spent some time as a high school principal, basketball coach, and cheer sponsor. It was a great ride. We have many fond memories of our time as a Franklin Flyer. We met lots of outstanding people and I was fortunate enough to work with some great educators and students as well. I still miss the Franklin Country Club, Rightway Grocery, and the volunteer run theater where Jeb, Bo, and I would go every Sunday with a $10 bill and come home with change!
In the fall of 2008, things got crazy with Class B superintendent openings. McCook, Waverly, York, and others opened up and Liesl and I began to think about taking the "next step." We applied at Waverly and York with the York deadline and timeline ending before Waverly interviewed. We were lucky enough to get the York job offer on a Friday night in mid-January and we've never looked back.
We came to York in June 2009 with Taylor heading into 11th grade, Micah into 9th, Jeb into 3rd, and Bo into 1st. The first year here was a real blur. There was lots and lots to do and many people to connect with. YPS offered us numerous challenges and plenty of rewards as well. We've made connections with so many wonderful people in/around York. This is a great place. York offers plenty of challenges but it also provides the resources and support to overcome those challenges.
It's funny to sit back and look back "through the years." A 'zig' instead of a 'zag' here or there and things would've turned out way different. Timing is everything. Circumstances are unique. Fate is inevitable.
I've loved every stop along the way of this educational journey. My time as a MacArthur Elementary Eagle and Patton Tiger at "The Fort" was outstanding. I have many fond memories of being a Bartlett Brave and a West Point Cub Cadet as well. Being a Franklin Flyer taught me how important community involvement is for school leaders. I cherish being a York Duke and love that "Duke Pride" that runs through my veins.
It's been a great ride so far. I hope the remaining 17 years I have are just as rewarding!
In June of 1998, I left "The Fort" to begin my career in school administration. I was a 25-year old kid that was charged with leading Bartlett Grade School, a K-8 school in southeast Kansas of about 160 students. It was a wonderful place to begin my leadership career. Though I was only there for the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 school years, I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do as a school leader. We lived in Parsons, KS and that was a little too far from Omaha than my wife wanted so in June 2000, we left for West Point, Nebraska to be closer to my wife's family in Omaha.
We spent three great years in West Point as K-6 principal. We were there on September 11, 2001, which I will never forget. We made lots of friends that we still stay in touch with today. It was a tough decision to leave West Point but I wanted to become a superintendent and that bug bit me really hard in the winter of 2003. That January, we received offers to become the next superintendent at Shelby and Kenesaw but my wife didn't want to accept either position. My attention then turned to an assistant superintendent position in Ralston. I had always wanted to be in "the metro" and see what it was like to work there. We made it to the final two but I was not offered the position. I was devastated for a few days but was then re-charged and ready to continue our important work at West Point Elementary.
That March, I received a phone call that Franklin, NE was looking for a superintendent. I wasn't excited about going back through the process of applying, etc. Wilber-Clatonia also opened up. After a few days, I was talked into applying for both. In early April, I interviewed at Wilber-Clatonia on a Wednesday and Franklin on a Thursday. We were fortunate to get the job offer from Franklin that Thursday night and it was a sleepless night for Liesl and I trying to decide what to do.
That Friday, we accepted the position and before I knew it, I was a 30-year old kid superintendent that really had no idea what I was supposed to do! We served in Franklin from 2003-2009 as superintendent but also spent some time as a high school principal, basketball coach, and cheer sponsor. It was a great ride. We have many fond memories of our time as a Franklin Flyer. We met lots of outstanding people and I was fortunate enough to work with some great educators and students as well. I still miss the Franklin Country Club, Rightway Grocery, and the volunteer run theater where Jeb, Bo, and I would go every Sunday with a $10 bill and come home with change!
In the fall of 2008, things got crazy with Class B superintendent openings. McCook, Waverly, York, and others opened up and Liesl and I began to think about taking the "next step." We applied at Waverly and York with the York deadline and timeline ending before Waverly interviewed. We were lucky enough to get the York job offer on a Friday night in mid-January and we've never looked back.
We came to York in June 2009 with Taylor heading into 11th grade, Micah into 9th, Jeb into 3rd, and Bo into 1st. The first year here was a real blur. There was lots and lots to do and many people to connect with. YPS offered us numerous challenges and plenty of rewards as well. We've made connections with so many wonderful people in/around York. This is a great place. York offers plenty of challenges but it also provides the resources and support to overcome those challenges.
It's funny to sit back and look back "through the years." A 'zig' instead of a 'zag' here or there and things would've turned out way different. Timing is everything. Circumstances are unique. Fate is inevitable.
I've loved every stop along the way of this educational journey. My time as a MacArthur Elementary Eagle and Patton Tiger at "The Fort" was outstanding. I have many fond memories of being a Bartlett Brave and a West Point Cub Cadet as well. Being a Franklin Flyer taught me how important community involvement is for school leaders. I cherish being a York Duke and love that "Duke Pride" that runs through my veins.
It's been a great ride so far. I hope the remaining 17 years I have are just as rewarding!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Land for Sale - Land for Sale
York Public Schools is seeking sealed bids for the 24.95 acre tract of non-irrigated farm ground physically located east of York Middle School on the east side of Maine Avenue in York, Nebraska.
Parcel ID# - 930194527
Legal Description – Lot 2 BLK 1 & Lot 2 BLK 2 York Public Schools ADD City of York
Map # - 3295-00-0-10881-002-0001
Description:
• According to the Soil Map, the entire area is comprised of Hastings Silt Loam, 0-1 percent slope.
• The sale of the property is subject to an existing lease agreement which expires on March 1, 2016.
Sealed bids will be accepted through 4:00 PM CST on Tuesday, December 1st. No bids under $190,000 will be considered. Bids can be mailed or dropped off to:
Mike Lucas – Superintendent
York Public Schools
1715 N. Delaware Avenue
York, NE 68467
The School Board shall have the right to refuse any and all bids for the property. Upon the Board’s acceptance of any bid, the successful bidder will be required to enter into a Purchase Agreement for the purchase of the above-described property on the terms and conditions described therein and at the Board’s discretion.
The Purchase Agreement may provide: (1) that the School District and the Buyer will each pay one-half of the cost of an owner’s title insurance policy which shall show marketable title in the School subject only to easements and restrictions of record and subject to building and use restrictions of the City, County and the State of Nebraska; (2) that the School Board will provide the Buyer a Warranty Deed to the premises; (3) that no real estate taxes for 2014 or any prior year are owed on the subject property; (4) the property has been classified as exempt with regard to 2015 real estate taxes, (5) that ten percent (10%) of the purchase price will be payable immediately upon signing of the Purchase Agreement; and (6) the balance of the purchase price will be paid in full at the closing which shall occur at the School District Office on a date and time to be determined by the parties to the Agreement.
Parcel ID# - 930194527
Legal Description – Lot 2 BLK 1 & Lot 2 BLK 2 York Public Schools ADD City of York
Map # - 3295-00-0-10881-002-0001
Description:
• According to the Soil Map, the entire area is comprised of Hastings Silt Loam, 0-1 percent slope.
• The sale of the property is subject to an existing lease agreement which expires on March 1, 2016.
Sealed bids will be accepted through 4:00 PM CST on Tuesday, December 1st. No bids under $190,000 will be considered. Bids can be mailed or dropped off to:
Mike Lucas – Superintendent
York Public Schools
1715 N. Delaware Avenue
York, NE 68467
The School Board shall have the right to refuse any and all bids for the property. Upon the Board’s acceptance of any bid, the successful bidder will be required to enter into a Purchase Agreement for the purchase of the above-described property on the terms and conditions described therein and at the Board’s discretion.
The Purchase Agreement may provide: (1) that the School District and the Buyer will each pay one-half of the cost of an owner’s title insurance policy which shall show marketable title in the School subject only to easements and restrictions of record and subject to building and use restrictions of the City, County and the State of Nebraska; (2) that the School Board will provide the Buyer a Warranty Deed to the premises; (3) that no real estate taxes for 2014 or any prior year are owed on the subject property; (4) the property has been classified as exempt with regard to 2015 real estate taxes, (5) that ten percent (10%) of the purchase price will be payable immediately upon signing of the Purchase Agreement; and (6) the balance of the purchase price will be paid in full at the closing which shall occur at the School District Office on a date and time to be determined by the parties to the Agreement.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
"When You Get to the Fork in the Road...Take It"
Baseball legend Yogi Berra passed away recently. He was adored for his affable personality, how well he treated others, and crazy one-liners. Many "Yogi-isms" will live on for years and years. My favorite from Yogi is, "When you get to the fork in the road, take it."
We all find ourselves at a "fork in the road" from time to time. Do we go "left" and do "this?" or do we go "right" and do "that?" I've always tried to analyze the perceived pros and cons of all big decisions, think about the impact on those affected by the decision, do what I think is best at the time, and never look back. It's the "never looking back" part that is sometimes hard but I have found to be most necessary.
Big decisions often result in a change but sometimes they result in things staying the same too. After my 4th year as superintendent/principal in Franklin, Nebraska there was a job that opened up that I really wanted to pursue. I thought the location and size of the community would've been perfect. I researched it for a few days, made some calls, and was convinced I needed to be "all in" trying to become their next superintendent. I ran it by my wife and she simply said, "no - now is not the time." I was stunned but respected her thoughts. I shut it down and never looked back and didn't think about it again. The "big decision" made was to do nothing...to stay...and it worked out well as two years later my wife said it was time and we made the move to York, which we love.
Numerous big decisions come at us from all angles. Making big decisions is a primary duty of the superintendent. Most often the decisions that need to be made are professional. Sometimes they are personal. My best advice is to simply analyze the situation carefully, study the potential impact, make the best decision you can at the time, and move on. Don't look back and second-guess. Once you make a decision, you stick with it.
The world is full of "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" that can tell you that you made the wrong decision after the fact. It's easy to bat 1.000 after the fact. It takes guts to make big decisions before you know how they're going to play out. That's leadership. That's life.
We all find ourselves at a "fork in the road" from time to time. Do we go "left" and do "this?" or do we go "right" and do "that?" I've always tried to analyze the perceived pros and cons of all big decisions, think about the impact on those affected by the decision, do what I think is best at the time, and never look back. It's the "never looking back" part that is sometimes hard but I have found to be most necessary.
Big decisions often result in a change but sometimes they result in things staying the same too. After my 4th year as superintendent/principal in Franklin, Nebraska there was a job that opened up that I really wanted to pursue. I thought the location and size of the community would've been perfect. I researched it for a few days, made some calls, and was convinced I needed to be "all in" trying to become their next superintendent. I ran it by my wife and she simply said, "no - now is not the time." I was stunned but respected her thoughts. I shut it down and never looked back and didn't think about it again. The "big decision" made was to do nothing...to stay...and it worked out well as two years later my wife said it was time and we made the move to York, which we love.
Numerous big decisions come at us from all angles. Making big decisions is a primary duty of the superintendent. Most often the decisions that need to be made are professional. Sometimes they are personal. My best advice is to simply analyze the situation carefully, study the potential impact, make the best decision you can at the time, and move on. Don't look back and second-guess. Once you make a decision, you stick with it.
The world is full of "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" that can tell you that you made the wrong decision after the fact. It's easy to bat 1.000 after the fact. It takes guts to make big decisions before you know how they're going to play out. That's leadership. That's life.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
YPS Foundation and Alumni Association
The York Public Schools Foundation has been working hard to connect with YHS alumni as it continues to support York Public Schools.
The YPS website (www.yorkpublic.org) now has a “YHS Alumni News” tab that houses an annual newsletter (the first one was sent out this past August) and a google form where alumni can go in and update their contact information. We encourage all York Duke alumni to update their contact info so we can stay in touch with them and update them on various events we will be planning.
For those on Facebook, look for the group titled, “York High Alumni – York, Nebraska” to connect with old classmates and receive notifications about the York Dukes and their many adventures.
At the present time, Patti Vincent and Troy Rowe are working with the York Public Schools Foundation on putting together an annual alumni event. This 1st annual event is scheduled for August/September 2016. Highlights of “Welcome Home York Dukes” will be a tailgate party and halftime recognition at the first YHS home football game, a visit to Wessels Living History Farm (http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/),a tour of the recently renovated and expanded York High School as it had over $14 million of work done to it in 2012-13, a banquet at Chances “R,” and more!
Visit the “York Public Schools” Facebook page and/or www.yorkpublic.org to stay in tune with the details as they are put together. We will be sharing much more info and specific dates as they become available.
The YPS Foundation, a (501) (3) (c) non-profit corporation, was established to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of education received by students of the school district. The Foundation seeks grants and contributions for the purpose of furthering the educational programs of the district.
The funds received will be used for improvements and additions to the physical facilities of the public school district, supporting special events for students, purchase of computers and software to support the curriculum, and a myriad of other purposes in support of education.
Projects which have been supported through funds donated to the Foundation by individuals, local organizations, graduated classes, and various other foundations include:
• PLAY (Pre-School) computer software and camera and musical instruments
• YES Smartboards & laptops
• YMS Smartboards
• YHS computers & software
• YHS theater headsets, wireless systems, and sound & lighting upgrades
• YMS & YHS outdoor signs
• YMS landscaping
• YHS pole vault pit and wrestling mats
• YHS band uniform bags
• YHS security cameras
• YHS field house
• YHS science & social studies curriculum projects
• YHS library improvements
• YHS greenhouse project
Donations of all sizes are accepted at the YPS District Office. There is a YPS Foundation tab on the www.yorkpublic.org website that shows a “wish list” of various programs we have. Please feel free to stop by or mail your donation to:
York Public Schools Foundation
Attn: Gayla Knight
1715 N. Delaware Ave.
York, NE 68467
gayla.knight@yorkdukes.org
The YPS website (www.yorkpublic.org) now has a “YHS Alumni News” tab that houses an annual newsletter (the first one was sent out this past August) and a google form where alumni can go in and update their contact information. We encourage all York Duke alumni to update their contact info so we can stay in touch with them and update them on various events we will be planning.
For those on Facebook, look for the group titled, “York High Alumni – York, Nebraska” to connect with old classmates and receive notifications about the York Dukes and their many adventures.
At the present time, Patti Vincent and Troy Rowe are working with the York Public Schools Foundation on putting together an annual alumni event. This 1st annual event is scheduled for August/September 2016. Highlights of “Welcome Home York Dukes” will be a tailgate party and halftime recognition at the first YHS home football game, a visit to Wessels Living History Farm (http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/),a tour of the recently renovated and expanded York High School as it had over $14 million of work done to it in 2012-13, a banquet at Chances “R,” and more!
Visit the “York Public Schools” Facebook page and/or www.yorkpublic.org to stay in tune with the details as they are put together. We will be sharing much more info and specific dates as they become available.
The YPS Foundation, a (501) (3) (c) non-profit corporation, was established to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of education received by students of the school district. The Foundation seeks grants and contributions for the purpose of furthering the educational programs of the district.
The funds received will be used for improvements and additions to the physical facilities of the public school district, supporting special events for students, purchase of computers and software to support the curriculum, and a myriad of other purposes in support of education.
Projects which have been supported through funds donated to the Foundation by individuals, local organizations, graduated classes, and various other foundations include:
• PLAY (Pre-School) computer software and camera and musical instruments
• YES Smartboards & laptops
• YMS Smartboards
• YHS computers & software
• YHS theater headsets, wireless systems, and sound & lighting upgrades
• YMS & YHS outdoor signs
• YMS landscaping
• YHS pole vault pit and wrestling mats
• YHS band uniform bags
• YHS security cameras
• YHS field house
• YHS science & social studies curriculum projects
• YHS library improvements
• YHS greenhouse project
Donations of all sizes are accepted at the YPS District Office. There is a YPS Foundation tab on the www.yorkpublic.org website that shows a “wish list” of various programs we have. Please feel free to stop by or mail your donation to:
York Public Schools Foundation
Attn: Gayla Knight
1715 N. Delaware Ave.
York, NE 68467
gayla.knight@yorkdukes.org
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Being a "Dad" is Hard
I normally try to keep my blogs about "school stuff" as much as I can. I have deviated a few times over the years and will do so again today.
My oldest daughter, Taylor, begins her "real world" experience on September 23rd as that will be her first day as a professional accountant in Lincoln. She has been home with us all summer since her graduation from Doane in May as she studied for the CPA exam. Sunday night was the "last night" she stayed with us a "kid." It was awesome to get to spend so much time with her this summer.
As I went home yesterday for lunch, she was packed up and ready to leave for her apartment in Lincoln and it was much more emotional than I thought. As I gave her a hug to tell her how much I love her, how proud I am of her, and how much I will miss her, it felt different. I was hugging a woman...not a child.
As we stood in the kitchen hugging, I saw 22 years flash before my eyes. I saw birthday parties, Christmas mornings, silly moments, making smores on a candle in my office in Franklin, car rides, cross country races, basketball games, and much more. Taylor left and I cried. And cried. And cried.
I'm excited for her future. She works hard and she will do well. It's not "goodbye" either...it's "see you later." But it is different. She is an adult...as of September 23rd she is earning a "real" paycheck...paying her own bills, etc. Time flies.
Enjoy all the time you can with your kids. Before YOU know it, you'll be the one hugging in the kitchen and crying when they leave for the "real world."
Taylor, Micah, Jeb, and Bo are my best friends. In this profession where things are always so political and dealing with "drama" is often all I do....my kids are my best (and sometime only) friends. They're not perfect. Neither am I. Neither are you.
I will sign off by saying "see you later" to my oldest daughter, Taylor. It's never "goodbye."
My oldest daughter, Taylor, begins her "real world" experience on September 23rd as that will be her first day as a professional accountant in Lincoln. She has been home with us all summer since her graduation from Doane in May as she studied for the CPA exam. Sunday night was the "last night" she stayed with us a "kid." It was awesome to get to spend so much time with her this summer.
As I went home yesterday for lunch, she was packed up and ready to leave for her apartment in Lincoln and it was much more emotional than I thought. As I gave her a hug to tell her how much I love her, how proud I am of her, and how much I will miss her, it felt different. I was hugging a woman...not a child.
As we stood in the kitchen hugging, I saw 22 years flash before my eyes. I saw birthday parties, Christmas mornings, silly moments, making smores on a candle in my office in Franklin, car rides, cross country races, basketball games, and much more. Taylor left and I cried. And cried. And cried.
I'm excited for her future. She works hard and she will do well. It's not "goodbye" either...it's "see you later." But it is different. She is an adult...as of September 23rd she is earning a "real" paycheck...paying her own bills, etc. Time flies.
Enjoy all the time you can with your kids. Before YOU know it, you'll be the one hugging in the kitchen and crying when they leave for the "real world."
Taylor, Micah, Jeb, and Bo are my best friends. In this profession where things are always so political and dealing with "drama" is often all I do....my kids are my best (and sometime only) friends. They're not perfect. Neither am I. Neither are you.
I will sign off by saying "see you later" to my oldest daughter, Taylor. It's never "goodbye."
Friday, September 18, 2015
School is Often More than "Just School"
This is my 22nd year in public education. I spent my first four years as a 3rd grade teacher and high school football and basketball coach. The last 18 years have been in educational leadership positions ranging from K-8 Principal/AD to K-6 Principal/Title I Coordinator to Superintendent/HS Principal in Franklin to Superintendent here in York.
I've seen many changes in educational programming. We have more technology integration and career awareness now than ever before. We have more summer programming and before/after school programs. I've witnessed improvements in curriculum, instruction, and accountability. However, the one major change I've seen is the need for school districts to do more and more for children living in adverse situations. A few times a year I will get hit up by someone saying that schools are doing too much and that we should force parents to do a better job of feeding their kids, reading with their kids, getting them medical attention, etc. Well, that sounds nice and all but as educators we're in the "kid business" and we don't get too dictate to parents how much they read to their child or how much they feed them.
Schools are doing more for our students one simple reason.....our kids need it.
I attended a "Greater Nebraska Superintendents" meeting yesterday in Lincoln with 18 other superintendents ranging from Omaha to Bellevue to Grand Island to Gering to Minden and McCook. We learned that since the year 2000, the number of Nebraska children age 6 and under living at 100% poverty increased from 19,380 to 34,939. That's an 80% increase of young children living at 100% poverty in just 15 years. The National Average of children age 6 and under living at 100% poverty is 42%. Here in Nebraska, we are almost DOUBLE the national average. Wyoming is at 16%. Iowa is at 38%. Missouri is at 46%. Kansas is at 69%.
We have lots of families and children living in stressful and difficult situations. You're darn right we're proud to add before/after school programming. You're darn right we're excited to have our free lunch program over the summer. You're darn right we love to be able to provide six weeks of academic programming each summer. You're darn right we're going to have school in January when it is "cold" even though some people bash us left and right....schools are often the warmest place for many of our students and the only place they're going to get two nutritional and hot meals in a day.
York has 45% of our K-12 students that are eligible for free/reduced meals. This number increases to over 55% when you look at just our elementary students. This number jumps to over 60% when you look at just our pre-schoolers.
Our young people are this country's most valuable resource and we need education systems that are willing and able to provide ALL of them with the support, resources, and hope they need. It's not what we want to do....it's what we NEED to do.
I've seen many changes in educational programming. We have more technology integration and career awareness now than ever before. We have more summer programming and before/after school programs. I've witnessed improvements in curriculum, instruction, and accountability. However, the one major change I've seen is the need for school districts to do more and more for children living in adverse situations. A few times a year I will get hit up by someone saying that schools are doing too much and that we should force parents to do a better job of feeding their kids, reading with their kids, getting them medical attention, etc. Well, that sounds nice and all but as educators we're in the "kid business" and we don't get too dictate to parents how much they read to their child or how much they feed them.
Schools are doing more for our students one simple reason.....our kids need it.
I attended a "Greater Nebraska Superintendents" meeting yesterday in Lincoln with 18 other superintendents ranging from Omaha to Bellevue to Grand Island to Gering to Minden and McCook. We learned that since the year 2000, the number of Nebraska children age 6 and under living at 100% poverty increased from 19,380 to 34,939. That's an 80% increase of young children living at 100% poverty in just 15 years. The National Average of children age 6 and under living at 100% poverty is 42%. Here in Nebraska, we are almost DOUBLE the national average. Wyoming is at 16%. Iowa is at 38%. Missouri is at 46%. Kansas is at 69%.
We have lots of families and children living in stressful and difficult situations. You're darn right we're proud to add before/after school programming. You're darn right we're excited to have our free lunch program over the summer. You're darn right we love to be able to provide six weeks of academic programming each summer. You're darn right we're going to have school in January when it is "cold" even though some people bash us left and right....schools are often the warmest place for many of our students and the only place they're going to get two nutritional and hot meals in a day.
York has 45% of our K-12 students that are eligible for free/reduced meals. This number increases to over 55% when you look at just our elementary students. This number jumps to over 60% when you look at just our pre-schoolers.
Our young people are this country's most valuable resource and we need education systems that are willing and able to provide ALL of them with the support, resources, and hope they need. It's not what we want to do....it's what we NEED to do.
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