March 7, 2008

Here I sit writing my TGIF again with another storm coming in! At least the timing of this one will hopefully let us get a full day of school in. Only in Ohio could we have an ice storm, a near-70-degree day, and a blizzard all in one week! Tuesday was eerily reminiscent of the ice storm of 2005. Fortunately, we didn’t get quite as much ice, the power outages were spotty and fairly short-lived rather than several counties wide and a week or more long, and not as many branches and trees fell (I think all the weak ones fell in 2005 and what’s left is pretty sturdy!) I know some of you have been without power since Tuesday evening, and I hope you’re all back up and running by now.

This seems like such a quick week with one day out already. But I know we’ve got a lot of activity going on with spring activities, including competitive events, OGT preparation, and end-of-quarter work in classes. Some of you (including students!) have actually begged me not to cancel or delay school—I know it really wreaks havoc on schedules. Believe me, I operate on the philosophy that we’re in the business of holding school, and I won’t interrupt the schedule unless it’s absolutely necessary. But when school busses can’t roll, we just can’t get the students here. I do appreciate your patience and flexibility in making sure the “show goes on” and that our students have these opportunities with as much continuity as possible.

I can’t write this TGIF without taking time to thank our Facilities and Grounds crew. They have had a heck of a winter this year keeping up with snow and ice—mostly ice, which is even tougher to deal with! Just know that they are hard at work and in touch with me in the very early hours of the morning doing everything possible to get our campus ready—often against impossible odds as snow and ice continue to fall. We all owe them our gratitude for the great work they do under very difficult conditions.

As far as my activities this week, I’ve mostly been catching up in the office while it’s been quiet! On Thursday, I did participate in the monthly session of the Union County Leadership Institute and heard from local government officials. We have a new State Representative from the 83rd District, Dave Burke from Marysville. I had spoken with him by phone prior to the election and had a chance to speak with him Thursday. He is somewhat familiar with career-technical education; his uncle taught plumbing at Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion. He told me he has the utmost respect for what we do and he looks forward to visiting our campus and learning more about our programs. I’ll certainly make sure we get him here and bring him up to date on the new opportunities available through CTE!

Don’t forget to “spring forward” on your clocks this Saturday night (and let’s focus on the “spring” part—it’s on its way!) Have a restful and be safe if you have to go out!