Conestoga's Glass Half Empty? I Don't Think So!
by Mark Sievering, Superintendent
January 25, 2008
A few weeks ago, an article about Conestoga appeared in a nearby metropolitan newspaper. That article definitely took a “glass half empty” view of our school district. As the district’s superintendent, I am admittedly biased, but I’d like to take a “glass half full” (and maybe three quarters full) look at our school district. (By the way, at least a few people have written the paper or called the reporter to express their disagreement with the article, but only one of the letters was actually printed.)
I am a firm believer that we have a high-quality school district, with high-quality students, teachers, staff members, parents, grandparents and other supporters. Let’s start with our students. (Being a school district, I think that’s a GREAT place to start) While the article made it sound that Conestoga students would have a difficult time competing in college, quite the opposite is true. In the past, Conestoga has graduated students who went on to become successful doctors, attorneys, pharmacists, teachers, farmers, law enforcement officers, computer technicians, businesspeople . . . I think you get the point. Do our students still have those opportunities available to them? Let’s take a look at some FACTS for the past 2-3 years: Two dual credit (college and high school)classes are offered for students through Agriculture/Science classes. The ACT (test most often taken in the Midwest for college entrance) average for 2006-07 Conestoga students was higher than the national and state averages. Twenty five of fifty-four 2007 graduates scored a 26 or above on the ACT. Several graduates of the last couple of years have scored a 31 or above on the ACT. (High enough for EXCELLENT scholarships at many schools in Nebraska and across the nation.) Five seniors in the past three years have received Regents Scholarships. More would have been eligible, but chose to attend college out of state. Many schools would be envious of statistics such as these. Conestoga is still doing an excellent job of preparing kids for college! Glass half empty for our students? I don’t think so.
The aforementioned article insinuated that all of Conestoga’s experienced teachers had been replaced by inexperienced teachers. Again, let’s take a look at the facts: Of the fifty-four teachers in our district, thirty-four have six or more years of teaching experience; twenty-six have ten or more years of teaching experience. Twenty-one have a Master’s Degree or higher. (At 39% of our faculty, that’s another statistic that many schools would like to have.) We also have an excellent group of teachers in their first five years in the profession! If education worked like professional sports, many of them would have been first round draft choices!
In addition to the faculty, there are numerous other “unsung heroes” who serve as secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, cooks, etc. without whom a school could not function. While some of these folks are new to our district, their experience ranges from new up to twenty-five plus years. Glass half empty for our faculty and staff? I don’t think so.
We have six very capable people on our board of education who care deeply about providing the best possible education for the students of our district. A couple of years ago, in light of significantly reduced state aid and a dismal financial forecast, they had to make some extremely tough choices. In response, they made tough decisions based on what was best for the students. These elected individuals, who serve without pay, spent countless hours researching the best possible options, and continue to spend time, effort and energy to determine the best course of action for our district. We are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals serving in this capacity.
Have we had some tough financial times in our district? Absolutely. Have we had some folks who have been unhappy with our district, and cuts or decisions that have been made? Of course. (But then, what school, business or organization has pleased everyone?) Do we have improvements which need to be made? Yes again. But . . . Since 1978, Conestoga Public Schools have done a great job of educating students for future success. While we have never been, or never will be perfect, the facts show that we continue to “stack up” well against the vast majority of schools in our state and nation. I am personally disappointed that the paper chose to print the article with such a negative spin, when there are so many positive attributes of our district. There have been a great deal of success stories during our first thirty years, and promises of many more to come during our next thirty! Glass half empty for Conestoga? NO WAY!
