New Buildings?

New school buildings! In Marietta? How can we be talking of such things? And when should somebody get married?
As we searched for a new school superintendent nearly 4 years ago a local resident and former school board member mentioned that he knew of a superintendent who would be great for Marietta. Sadly, he also knew that the superintendent was not available at that time.
Those familiar with the past three years remember the process of selection we underwent and the results and the wonderful progress made in our academic ratings over the period. Turns out we got the right superintendent at the right time to do the job that needed to be done at the time. Our system gleamed, our students performed.
When the position was again available this year I remembered that long ago conversation, shared it with another board member and he said, “We have to talk to anybody in a position to help. Let’s find him.”
I went to the person who had first mentioned Mr. Young to me and asked how I might find him to see if he was available as an interim superintendent. Fortunately, a phone number was available.
In the first call Mr. Young said, “I have wanted to be the superintendent at Marietta for years but the timing was never right. When can we meet?”
He was just finishing a job in South Point, Ohio and would be available to us in a few weeks time. Phone and personal interviews with board members were arranged and background checks were done. It looked like we had a very experienced superintendent, who had lived in Marietta, wanted to return and had a great record of accomplishment. A seasoned veteran was just what we needed.
Immediately upon hiring Mr. Young he began visiting our buildings. He looked closely at the conditions and compared them with what he knew from his many years in other districts. He also factored in security demands and technology changes and operating efficiencies. The demands of modern education.
Our first meeting with him after those inspections was a bit stunning. He challenged the board to begin the process to “Provide this community and its kids with the kind of facilities that will enable it to compete in the modern world and provide a good education comparable to other places.”
A tall order, and a completely new line of thinking for us. Fortunately we had not committed to any contracts to spend the capital improvement monies approved in the spring of the previous year. We were free to correct our course and chart a new direction with the community’s permission after evaluation by the state.
And that’s where we find ourselves today. Still awaiting final word from the state as to the condition and needs of our buildings. Waiting to hear what their recommendations and requirements will be and then seeking community approval to move forward.
There is much to be done and already Mr. Young is addressing community groups about the various possibilities and needs of the future. The results are encouraging. Those who have heard about what is possible are excited about making it happen.
Aside from churches there is nothing that speaks more clearly about a community than its investment in education and the future of its children. That investment is a beacon to employers and future residents and sends a message of hope and promise.
These may not be the easiest of times to undertake such a project. But as with marriage, if one waits for just the right moment to marry, one is destined to be single.