It's About People, Not Stuff
I am fortunate to be the only Superintendent chosen to represent Arkansas in the Thompson Executive Leadership cohort 32. As part of this esteemed group of educators, I had the privilege of travelling to Puerto Rico and touring a few of the public schools there. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. My heart was filled with pride, hope, and joy while we watched passionate educators practice their craft in conditions that would be considered unacceptable here in the states. 1. School buildings were 107 years old. 2. No air conditioning. (The library was the only room on campus with a window unit air conditioner). Puerto Rico does not have seasons as we know them. It is 85 degrees minimum every day of the year. It was 88 degrees inside the classrooms on the day we visited. 3. No textbooks in classrooms. IF there were textbooks, there were usually less than 10 and had to be checked out at the library. 4....