Editor's note: This letter was sent in response to a letter and comments from Hays USD 489 board member Derek Yarmer. See the related stories.
SEE RELATED STORY: Opinion Hays USD 489 board member critical of use of bond, capital funds.
SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 board votes not to add another manager for bond work
What I have learned during my career as a Superintendent of Schools is that sometimes people get so focused on trying to find problems that they forget to notice all the wonderful things that are happening around them. As we are well over the halfway point of all our bond projects, I celebrate the growth that has already occurred in some of our schools with new bond project additions and updated renovations that have been completed to this point, along with those projects still under construction and those coming soon. I often like to say that change is inevitable for everyone, but growth is optional for some. My hope is those that want to still be critical of our bond can grow in their understanding of how important it is to have great schools in our community and that also means having great facilities.
I realize that “arm chair quarterbacking” of bond projects is par for the course, but what I don’t want us to lose sight of is all the good stuff that we are doing in creating a better future for our students, staff, and community. A prime function of my responsibility as the leader of our school district is giving students, staff, and our community everything they deserve. When I came to this district six years ago as the superintendent, I began saying that we have to stop settling for the schools and facilities that we have, and we need to start building for schools that we deserve. We will continue to do that despite the critics! Building To Great- It’s The Hays 489 Way!
Ron Wilson
Hays USD 489 superintendent of schools