Monthly Archives: April 2017
First of all, let me begin by reminding my readers that this column is my opinion and my opinion only. By that I mean I am not speaking for the board- merely making observations about educational topics and asking for your perspective and input. I joined the School Board in August of 2008. I was chair previously from 2012-2014; my elected term expires the end of June in 2019. I apologize for my long lapse in articles. It is certainly no indication of a lack of wonderful things happening in the district. There are so many. I have added a Twitter account [trying to keep up with the President] letting folks know of coming events and or achievements that occur along the way. If you are interested, I am at @TAMnOregon. Join me.
I’ve been asked by several people why I always start my article this way. The reason is that any board member must clearly state that what is being said or written is his or her opinion and hers or his alone- none of us speak for the board- unless the spokesperson- usually the chair- says those famous words – “The board has…” [some position]. So now that I have that question answered, let me get to the reason for my writing.
I did an article in November about the District Office remodel. Much of the bond is finished, and soon we will be completing final to-do sheets. In that article, I mentioned the people working in that building and thanked them for work they do mostly behind the scenes and mostly without any recognition. Two of these people have longevity in the district and need special recognition.
Greg Baker was born and raised in the area around Noti. He attended school in Noti and graduated from Elmira High School. Greg and his wife have two sons and two daughters who went through the Fern Ridge District schools as well and now has six grandchildren and one on the way. He began work for the district in 1998 and has overseen the district facilities during this time. The bond adventure posed much added work during the time of construction and resettling and continues to this day. He and his crew worked tirelessly to get the Elmira Elementary School up and running by the beginning of school this January. He supervises the stewards of our buildings which is another unheralded group of workers. Without them, our buildings would deteriorate from the inside out with clutter, dirt and debris. The budget for personnel at all levels is tight so there is a constant juggling of staff that likely makes Greg and all his personnel scratch their head and make do with some of the best service to our other hard working staff – the crew at every school. My thanks to Greg for his 19+ and counting years of service.
The other person I want to mention is Debbie Moore. Debbie was born and raised not far from here in Mapleton, Oregon. She married her high school sweetheart and football hero Dewey. She worked for the Mapleton School District for a while before moving to the Fern Ridge District in 1999. She and Dewey have one daughter and one son and four grandsons. It is hard to describe all the work that she covers so well so I will start with a small part of her ‘general job definition:’
“The Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent works under the general supervision of the Superintendent, providing confidential secretarial support for the Board of Directors, Superintendent, and other District Office administrators. The positon performs highly confidential and complex assignments and is responsible for interacting with district personnel, public, and outside governmental agencies where a high level of independent judgment and discretion is required.”
This hits the high points, but for me, the most important point is missed. That point is continuity and history. There is a musty room in the basement with the records of things in the past. As chair, I have wondered about the history of different issues that have faced the board and the community and how they transpired. Debbie knows the information and can either tell me what I need/want to know or knows where to find that information. She has referred me many times to an important community person to talk with in regard to some issue or event. That is just two of the many important things I have come to rely on from Debbie.
More importantly, Debbie keeps me centered and listens to my concerns. She does the work of publishing information and taking notes at all of the various meetings she attends. She is my right and often my left hand. Much of my success during the time I have been on the board is because of her gentle guiding hand and her knowledge. I am, of course, writing to thank both she and Greg for all their hard work on behalf of the district and the many ways they have helped me do my best work. But there is another element here which is WHY AM I WRITING NOW?
The board just heard recently of Debbie’s coming retirement. On one side, I am thrilled by her prospect of staying at home, fussing over her grandsons, swimming, walking and biking and playing with her beloved dog, Jack. She and Dewey have years of enjoying their lives- camping, watching sports, and just being together. I would never wish anything less. But I do wonder about the huge shoes that are left to be filled by her absence.
A co-worker once told me that “Change is good.” I certainly hope that is true for Debbie. And knowing that makes it easier for me to recognize that a new person in this position is just one more thing in life to get used to. Change, indeed, can be good.
Please continue to write to me at tmorton@fernridge.k12.or.us and read my articles- maybe even follow me on Twitter @TAMnOregon. I hope to reach new readers so share with your friends and loved ones. I leave you with this quote from Tony Robbins. “Change is inevitable. Progress is optional.” Finally, as many of you know, I am a transplant from the great state of Montana, and after 40+ years, I still revel in the scenery in both my home state and my state of choice. Enjoy this video: https://youtu.be/GD0k5ic2znA Until next time-