Superintendent's Report

By Broadus Schools Superintendent Jim Hansen

Last summer I had the good fortune to replace the plumbing in an old trailer house in North Dakota. During my many trips to the hardware store the same young man was always there eager to help me carry out supplies.

After some internal debate I decided the young man deserved a tip for his diligent service.

Certainly, I am not known as a gracious tipper, but this kid had some work ethic. The young man informed me they were not allowed to receive tips. I informed the gentleman that he had a good work ethic, was polite, was honest, and that those traits would serve him well.

Schools put the vast amount of their emphasis on education, but the behavior I attempted to financially reward had nothing to do with academic ability.

There isn’t a substitute for hard work, perseverance, and grit.It is common for students to encounter academic and social struggles in school. We often want to intervene in an attempt to ease their frustration.

When I was in the classroom there was a fine line between helping a student with a mathematical problem and doing the work for them. Educators and parents have to decide where that line is located.

Personally, I wanted my own children to experience the demanding teacher and drill sergeant coach.

Driving away I reflected on my desire for our students to acquire those same “NON-ACADEMIC” values that the young man at the hardware store possessed.