Secretary's Column
By Dr. Rick Melmer
Department of Education
5 to 8 not 8 to 5
As I write
this article, we are heading into our 4th week of
the 2006 Legislature. As you can imagine, this session is
heating up, and we are knee-deep in discussions on school
funding, home school issues, sex education issues, and
school efficiencies. I have described the legislative
session to some as the equivalent of a 35-day school board
meeting! It is easy to get lost in the multitude of issues
that are surrounding the state and our school systems in
South Dakota.
As I think
about school administrators’ work in the state of South
Dakota, I am reminded of the same types of issues. As you
head into this time of the year, you also have one eye on
the legislative process in
Pierre.
In addition, you are dealing with the preparation of school
budgets. Teacher negotiation issues are on the horizon,
activities are in full swing, and the normal challenges of
making parents and students happy during a school year.
The fact
is: We are constantly surrounded by issues that need to be
resolved during the course of the day. It is easy to assume
that the issues that we work on from 8 to 5 are the most
important things that we do. However, as I age and work
through educational issues, I am constantly reminded that
what I do from 8 to 5 is not as important as what I do from
5 to 8. The issues from 8 to 5 will always be there. The
labels change, but the issues remain the same. However, when
I begin to think about what is eternal and ultimately
important, most of those issues seem to surface from 5 p.m.
to 8 a.m. the next day.
The
challenge as a school leader is to keep those issues
separate and in perspective. The issues that we are dealing
with during the day, and specifically during this
legislative session, are temporary. Even though they are
important and deserve our attention, none of them are more
important than faith, family and friends. During the busiest
times of the year, I am reminded periodically of the
importance of those things in my life that are eternal. I am
also reminded that I never seem to get ahead of the issues
that surface from 8 to 5 – things that are important but
certainly not eternal.
During
this very busy time of the year, I hope that you are able to
keep all of these matters in perspective as well. Work hard,
give your constituents your best, but most importantly,
don’t deny time and energy for your faith, family and
friends. |
