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We often hear and read that people are very resistant to change. Most certainly that is true. Oh, there are always a few folks who love to be on the bleeding edge and are happy to adopt new practices, but that sure isn’t the norm.

I’m a bit older than most who are reading this column, but I still think young – or I think I do. I get up at 4:30 or 5:00, jump in the shower, and get out loaded for bear and feeling great; then I look in the mirror and think, “Wow. Who is that old sucker looking back at me?”

Everyone seems to have an opinion about how to solve money issues around the state; you can hear them everywhere, coffee shops, restaurants, Chamber meetings, ball games, etc.

My job as Superintendent of FUSD is to establish a positive teaching and learning environment in which our kids are safe and can prosper academically.

Two Unique and Effective Schools with Very Distinctive Differences

Florence High School was established in 1915 and has a rich and historic past. The Gopher tradition is well established and boasts successful graduates in all walks of life.  While there were a few years in the not too distant past where things were a little rocky for FHS, since Chris Knutsen was hired as principal in 2008, the Gopher Tradition has been restored, embraced, and celebrated.

Public education is regularly criticized for many reasons, ranging from a drop-out rate of 30% to graduating students who can’t read nor reason.  Quite honestly, much of that criticism is justified.

Let’s play “what if” for a minute.

What if 97% of our kids graduated, all reliable, hard-working, skilled, literate, and confident?

Hi  –

I'm Gary Nine, a pretty old fellow who is proud to be the Superintendent of Florence Unified, and I am tickled to welcome you to our District.  My job, as Superintendent, is to meet the challenge of providing a great education for each and every student in the District.

My motto and our District’s vision is “KIDS FIRST”. Please check it out under District Vision. “KIDS FIRST” provides the foundation for decision-making for FUSD’s principals, faculty, staff, and administrators.

FUSD’s Vision: KIDS FIRST- Why do we have it and what does it mean?
In last month’s column I noted that establishing a common vision for an organization was foundational to any leader’s success. At FUSD, KIDS FIRST is on every classroom wall and is discussed at virtually every principal’s meeting; it is known by all our employees, most of our parents, and many in the community.

Recently, one of our local citizens who has no children in school told me that I needed to better communicate with folks like her. She mentioned that a previous superintendent, Dr. Eric Kleinstiver, had written a monthly column and suggested that I do the same. I appreciate her suggestion, and our newspaper has graciously agreed to print my comments monthly. I thank them for doing so.  While the column’s purpose is to inform the public about the District’s direction and the various programs being offered to provide our students with the curriculum they need to succeed, this first column will address leadership.

What is FUSD’s “FULL DAY” aka “Stampsheet” Program and Why, Oh Why, do we have it?

In April of 1988, an early rising teacher, Bill, and I were sitting in my office at 6:00am just visiting. I was always in my office at that time, and he came by occasionally.

This particular morning, he was telling me a little about his 13 year old son, let’s call him Jeff, who was smart and a really good kid, but who hated doing homework. His son went to school in a neighboring district and since he hadn’t done much of his homework, he had ended up falling behind and his grade card for 3rd quarter had been pretty poor.