Education professionals provide students with the opportunities to learn and grow as individuals. Business personnel provide community members with services to meet basic needs. “We are all in a service that deals with goods and education,” Chamber President Leo Wirth said, as he addressed the staff of Kimball Public Schools and local business members. The groups gathered together for the annual Business and Education breakfast Wednesday, Aug. 27. Wirth encouraged teachers and community professionals to work together throughout the school year. He gave school personnel special challenges. “First, I challenge you to continue to be active in community organizations. It is easy to come to groups to receive money, but we would like to see involvement throughout the year,” Wirth said. He also challenged staff members to go out and see their students at after-school activities. “They cherish you seeing them outside of the classroom.” Finally, Wirth asked staff members to utilize local businesses for personal needs. “Be part of the community by using the community. The business community likes to see you.” Superintendent Scott Thielman reported on the successes of the district to educate business on what is happening. “We want to recognize the positive aspects of the district. The entire community can make this stronger,” Thielman said. Among the attributes mentioned were the positive ratings on the state report card and the higher scores in statewide standardized testing. Thielman also mentioned the success of extracurricular activities and involved parents through the T.A.G. and P.I.E. groups at the high school and elementary school, respectively. After listing all of the praises to staff and community members, Thielman said that the district still has challenges to overcome. “We need to increase student enrollment and promote our school district. We, the community and businesses can do this through a word-of-mouth campaign.” Thielman said that this type of campaign really sells the school’s educational program to others. “We made brochures highlighting each campus, but this printed word combined with the word-of-mouth campaign [will be most effective].” “We always think that our neighbor’s grass is greener, but we need to step back and look at our own grass [to see what we are doing right]. Then, we need to plant our own seeds and make it stronger,” Thielman said. Indicating that community members and businesses make the difference, Thielman asked everyone to tell their families and friends about the great things happening in Kimball schools. “We are committed to individual success. We have committed and caring staff members,” Thielman said. The meeting was wrapped up by Wirth with this challenge to all community members. “[Be involved], not just in the place you live, but also the place you work. We wish you the best in 2003-04.”
