While the week didn’t start off very well in light of the announcement of the arrest related to the fire at LPS District Offices, it sure felt like a great week in our classrooms. Each member of the executive team visited about a dozen schools. I had a chance to see education in action at Northeast High School, Lincoln High, Mickle and Schoo middle schools, and Pershing, Huntington. Kahoa, Kooser, Campbell, Riley and Hartley elementary schools. It was a joy to see the energized educators and excited students. I REALLY needed this week to get out of boardrooms and into classrooms. This will be a great year.
The Monday arrest announcement was one more occasion for each of us to re-live the night of the fire. While I cannot comprehend what might cause a person to commit such a heinous act, I know the justice system will take time for the case to be resolved. I encourage all of us to remain steadfast and strong as we go about our work and interact with the public. If the allegations prove true, it is important we understand that this catastrophe is the result of an individual – and not a system. It is okay to be sad and angry, but it is not okay to accept blame or keep wondering “what if?” We are about looking to the future, and not dwelling in the past.
Meanwhile, the Lincoln School Board continues to work through the Data Center re-location and will soon begin narrowing down LPSDO options. Our negotiations with the insurance company continue and we are confident the ultimate resolution will be workable for our planning.
Keep up the great work and positive momentum.
Steve
