FFA, Ag Program remains important to the school district

As superintendent, it is my sincere hope that I have helped create a culture where our parents and community feel comfortable with our system and that they can bring questions, comments, or concerns to any of our school personnel. I believe it is essential that individuals have the opportunity to discuss issues that may exist with the appropriate staff member within our system. Then, if an individual is not satisfied with the initial response they receive, there is always the opportunity to discuss the situation further with the athletic director, principal, or superintendent (depending on the nature of the issue). My hope is that through dialogue, whether we agree or not, we can address any and all issues and at a minimum, come to a general understanding.

The above-mentioned method of addressing questions and concerns is my preference because I know that when issues aren’t addressed directly rumors can spread quickly. For instance, in recent days there has been some discussion behind the scenes about our agriculture classes and our FFA program. Consequently, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly share my thoughts regarding our ag program and to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to meet with me in order to further discuss this topic.

First of all, let me begin by saying that I fully support the need for ag and shop classes and our FFA program. They are absolutely essential. We live in a rural area and agriculture is the heart of our communities.

When thinking about our agriculture and FFA programs the bottom line for me is this: I want to have the best CTE (Career and Technical Education) offerings and classes AND a competitive and successful FFA program. I desire a balance between FFA contest preparation and the CTE content and skills that should be taught and learned in our classes. FFA is a wonderful program and I am truly proud of the students and instructors who represent us at the local, state, and national levels.

For example, look at our student success at nationals in agronomy and marketing last fall, and we’re sending a soils team to nationals this spring. However, just as important as preparing students for contests, there are many skills related to woods and metals courses, ag science, horticulture, and such that also need to be the focus of our instruction. It is my belief that somewhere there truly is the correct balance between FFA and “other” course instruction.

In addition, my goal is that as we outline what our courses are designed to teach, and we identify extracurricular trips that support our instruction and are an extension of the classroom. Any trips that do not relate or are a stretch to tie into our instruction should be reconsidered. As with most things, balance is the key.

Please know that the goal of our administration and school districts is to offer the best possible programs for all students.

Having said this, it is important to understand that each and every program we offer at one time or another undergoes some type of change, be it athletics, extra-curricular, classroom based, and so on. However, please be assured that any proposed changes to any program will be designed to improve courses and offerings for students. Any current or future changes to our ag program will be made with the same intentions, to improve courses and offerings for students and not with the intention of eliminating or ruining our agriculture and FFA classes or program.

This is my third year as superintendent for the Lind and Ritzville School Districts. It is my sincere hope that everyone understands I am striving to create a system that is open and transparent and I truly have an open door policy. I will never avoid an issue or a potential difficult conversation.

Therefore, if you have any concerns about our ag or FFA programs, or any other aspect of our school system, please feel free to contact me in Lind at 509-677-3481, Ritzville at 509-659-1660, or at [email protected]. I am more than willing to meet one on one with individuals or with any group who may have a concern.