Everyone an ambassador

There’s no doubt circumstances beyond our control hurt the district and community. Problems with funding plague us, and the pursuit of operating levies frustrates district and community alike. Staff and program reductions trouble those with children in the district or who remember a different time, one of growth.

Between our efforts to collect local revenue and the need to cut, there is ample opportunity for stakeholders to feel frustrated. That frustration often manifests as anger at the district.

With the economic downturn - very much a local issue - circumstances are exacerbated.

Lost is a community focus on the quality education we offer at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS); replaced by an almost constant aura of negativity. As a partner with the community we feel that negativity and how it affects the district, but we also know it affects the community and its future.

Most realtors will tell you strong schools are a must for families looking to move. That was important when gas was cheap and home values climbing; it is much more important in times of expensive gas and challenged housing markets. People won’t start coming until we give them ample reason. Recovering economically can start by ending the divide between district and community.

The district works hard to be transparent and forthcoming. We are starting to see community partnerships that ease the burden of cuts.

We all need more.

We must become ambassadors for the community; its beauty, people, opportunities, and yes, its schools.

Don’t trust us? Call me and let’s talk. Think we mismanage the district? Give us opportunities to demonstrate differently. Don’t think much of our schools? Come see our quality. There are many reasons to champion our schools. Tax hawks will be impressed with how efficient we’ve become. Those passionate about education will love our innovations to maintain quality and variety.

There is something for everyone to love at NBAPS. If that message were carried with the same enthusiasm as negativity, we may start to see a change in the economic landscape.