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This is a farewell column. After 32 years in education, it is time to retire. As I prepare to leave, I find myself reflecting on my many different experiences. I have been a teacher, principal, college faculty member, Vice President and the Dean of Education.
I have enjoyed all my assignments and experiences. Despite all these travels and positions, I can honestly say that the most satisfying and rewarding experience was being the principal at Martha P. King Elementary in Boulder City. I have always been an elementary principal at heart. I was assigned to the school under difficult circumstances. I brought a different perspective to education and truly had a vision of what an elementary school should be like. The staff supported me and, in turn, I believed in them. They were truly a talented, creative and hard working staff. We accomplished many things, with an abundance of support from the community and parents. I felt that M.P. King typified what education should look like.
Education tends to be assessed by test scores and school rankings. However, when I reflect on M.P. King Elementary, I remember a school that had a caring staff that motivated kids to learn. I remember parents who were frequent visitors to the school. I remember a community that not only provided support for the schools but invited our school to be part of the community. I remember students who enjoyed learning. I will always remember standing at the crosswalk each night greeting parents and saying goodbye to the kids.
Thank you for letting me be part of your community. Thanks for being such an important part of my life. To this day, my dearest friends are staff members, parents and community members who were part of the Martha P. King family.
Now it is time to do the things I have dreamed of doing. My backpack is packed and my wife and I are off to see the world. I will always visit Boulder City on a regular basis and always cherish my experiences at Martha P. King Elementary. Be Positive, Proud and Productive!
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