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| Boundary County School District 101 Superintendent Gary Pfleuger |
"Our task needs to remain focused and united," Pflueger told those assembled. "Our jobs are very difficult and emotionally charged, the target needs to stay simple. These targets are teaching and learning — and keeping the needs of our students first."
Pflueger pointed out that when he was first hired into the school district years ago at the elementary school level, he told the hiring committee that his motto would be the words "Safe, Civil, and Productive." He indicated his intent to make these same three words something of a touchstone for the entire school district.
"This simple and easy to understand three-word motto is far from an elementary school concept," he said. "These terms will help all of us, both students and staff, to improve basic behavioral and academic expectations. This philosophy will lead to advanced performance, improved daily etiquette, and better relationships. These words are not just a words, they are actions."
He went on to define exactly what he meant by those three words:
"SAFE is both physical and emotional safety. This means no fighting, bullying or trash talking.
"CIVIL behaviors allow us to live in a polite and cooperative society; expected behaviors are helping others and using manners.
"PRODUCTIVE is accepting our role and responsibility to make it all work by completing given tasks to the best of our ability. Productive is simply doing our jobs."
Pflueger then outlined three basic goals he has set for the school district this year.
1. To raise the academic and behavioral expectations for both students and staff. "I believe we can all do our jobs better," he said. "This will start with me."
2. Create a budget that is clear and easy to understand. "This need was clearly shown by negotiations going to mediation. Our current system is ineffective on both sides of the table. It needs repair," Pflueger said. "In addition, this is a levy year. Continued clarity is needed."
3. Sportsmanship on and off the courts and fields. "Our community needs to re-learn how to cheer for our teams, not against the other. And yelling at the ref or coach are neither civil nor productive," he said.
Pflueger said that people will often tell him he has a very difficult job, and sometimes he starts to believe what they say, and starts to feel sorry for himself.
"But then," he said, "I walk into a kindergarten class. Oh my gosh! How do you do it? Then I stop in any elementary classroom. The need for strength, consistency and purpose is overwhelming. The ability levels in all rooms are huge; the needs are great!
"Then I walk into the high school. There you see a small microcosm of the entire world. Expertise is required. You people are charged with getting young adults ready for the world. The challenges are great! Finally I walk in the middle school. Teaching in the middle school is uniquely challenging. Some days it can be compared to working in “Whoville” with Dr. Seuss.
"After leaving our schools and knowing what the bus drivers and lunch servers deal with," he continued, "I know each of us has a very difficult job to do."
He then went on to offer words of caution regarding social media. "Please be careful of Facebook. Bad humor or an inappropriate or hostile comment can work against a person’s professional status. Personal conversation will always be better than social media."
Pflueger concluded his remarks to the staff with words of encouragement.
"Thank you for believing. Through your help, dedication and support, our students will enjoy what they deserve. Our focus must remain on the kids! It is their time, not ours! Enjoy your year! Make today a great day through kind words and respectful choices! Thank you!"