High-quality education a priority

PLYMOUTH – During his address to members of the electorate at the Sept. 15 annual meeting, School Board President Mark Rhyan focused on the importance of students receiving a high quality education.

“These students will be leading the world, as we grow older, retire and depend upon them for running this country,” he said. “Every one of us plays a critical role in the development of these future leaders.”

Rhyan commended Superintendent Clark Reinke for his outstanding leadership of the district during the current tough economic times. He also thanked members of the District Leadership Team (DLT), staff members and the Plymouth Education Association.

“There have been many accomplishments over the past year that have come as a result of your leadership,” Rhyan said to Reinke.

“The further development of the key pillars in our long-range plan; the partnership with LTC, local businesses and the city of Plymouth to enhance our technical-education offerings; the current year’s balanced budget that you have put forth in the midst of serious economic shortfalls from the state; the consolidation of our elementary schools under very tight timelines and the transfer of our fifth-graders to Riverview, making better use of that facility and its offerings are examples of your leadership,” he added.

Rhyan also commended the PEA and the negotiation team for, as he put it, “the ‘unprecedented’ contract agreement that is both fair and equitable for all involved.

“You and the representatives for the PEA are to be commended for your willingness to work together in a collaborative manner,” Rhyan said. “While negotiations are often viewed as ‘sides’ at the table, it is heartening to know that in Plymouth, there is only one ‘side,’ as we work together to put forth the greatest opportunities for our students.”

He stressed that in order to raise the level of student learning and achievement, district officials must continue to explore creative learning techniques and strategies.

“We recognize that we have much to do in this area in order to be certain that students in this country need to step up their performance,” Rhyan said.

“Clark, you and your District Leadership Team have done a terrific job of keeping the focus on improving the educational model we provide the district,” he added.

Rhyan said the faculty members and support staff members continue to amaze him in their commitment to providing a challenging educational environment and curriculum for students.

He addressed another issue. “The pressure of economic concerns – real concerns – is certainly playing a part in the social demise we are witnessing,” Rhyan said. “Within the past few weeks, we have witnessed several high profile incidents involving the loss of civility:

. Town hall meetings that have run out of control. . A congressman publicly heckling the President. . A tennis star demonstrating a complete meltdown. . A rapper jumping on stage at an awards show and mouthing off. . A popular conservative talk-show host threatening the Speaker of the House.

. Tiger Woods filmed, throwing a temper tantrum over a bad golf shot.

“It seems everywhere we turn, temper is trumping courtesy, trumping civility,” Rhyan contended. “It bothers me, as I’m sure it does you.

“Our goal here as a School Board is to create an environment in which people can work together for the benefit of these students and country, rather than grandstanding for the furtherance of a personal agenda.”

He noted that school districts, cities, counties, businesses and individuals nationwide are forced to made difficult decisions in the current, tough economic conditions.

“While attempting to avoid a financial disaster, we have done everything we can to maintain the core educational model we have in this district,” Rhyan stressed. “This includes maintaining reasonable class sizes, curriculum offerings, teaching positions, student services and extra-curricular activities, which as most of you know, I don’t consider ‘extra,’” he said.

He admitted that the protection of this model is not without hardships.

“School families, community residents and all of you are feeling the sting caused by a lack of funding, a lack of appreciation for the importance of education, a lack of prioritization for those things that are key to the country’s future,” Rhyan said.

He thanked all involved with the Plymouth School District for everything they do to assist with the development of future leaders.

“You have my unwavering support,” he affirmed. “Through these times of difficult decisions, I hope we, as a board, can count on yours.”