Positive atmosphere needed

Dear editor,

In 1975 my then husband Larry and I decided to move to Idaho when he finished law school. One of my teaching colleagues in Little Rock said that I should apply to Mountain Home because it was a nice little town where he had been stationed.

I applied, the superintendent called me to come for an interview and I flew out from Arkansas. The superintendent and his wife picked me up at the airport at midnight, drove me to their home for coffee and cake, then took me to the Towne Center motel with instructions on how to get to the district office the next morning.

After breakfast with the Asst. Superintendent and principal, the principal drove me to the Base to see the classroom, then we had lunch before the Asst. Superintendent drove me back to the airport.

This warm welcome convinced us that Mtn. Home was the place to move to in Idaho. Over the years, the congeniality of the staff with the administration was strengthened by open dialogue on all of the issues. If there was a concern, the administration would listen and look for solutions. If a teacher needed guidance, others were there to mentor. Professional development was rewarding whether it was from an outside source or our own workshops given in rotation.

When we worked for a Master Contract, it was achieved through negotiation after a critical shutdown. Again, open dialogue solved the crisis. Creativity in the classrooms flourished and the students benefitted from the high morale of the staff.

If we can recapture the trust and collaboration that was the joy in working for Mountain Home Schools, then perhaps families will not flee to other communities for the promise of a good education. There will be pride in this district for the mutual respect of teachers, administrators, and school board.

This respect will result in a positive atmosphere throughout every endeavor in the schools and once again Mountain Home will exceed the expectations for a good education.

-- Betty Ashcraft