PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Teaching Was A Blessing At Rogers Schools

I have had a lifetime of blessings. After 40 years with the Rogers Public Schools, I find myself retiring. I’m not sure what that means yet. However, my former (retired) co-workers reassure me that it is a really, really, really good thing.

Sifting through hundreds of pictures has left me with overwhelming humility. Sorry to say, but I’m not entirely sure of the exact number of students I have taught. The best guesstimate would be somewhere around 1,300.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel. I was able to teach in an amazingly progressive school district. The friends I made throughout the years are part of the fabric of my very being, beginning with Mr. Greer Lingle. Only a handful of us are left that can truly say that we were interviewed by this wonderful man.

My sense of accomplishment comes from having a deep passion for what I love to do, which is teaching children who still have that wonderful sense of discovery. The “payoff,” for lack of a better word, is being able to cherish the love I receive from former students and parents. When I told them they were truly mine for seven hours a day, I meant it. Hopefully, they knew how much I loved and cared for them.

Parents, thank you for your faith in me and your unfailing support. Teachers can only do so much, but together we can teach, love and help your child become a caring, responsible and productive citizen. We do it with the hope and prayer that those children make the good choices that will make a positive impact on the world.

SUE STOREY

Rogers

SEEKING GOOD STEWARDS

In reference to your June 14 editorial concerning the use of reserve funds (in Fayetteville), I would like to make another suggestion. If the reserve fund is larger than what is deemed necessary, return the money to the taxpayers. Novel idea: Reduce the millage rate a few tenths.

For all the elected officials out there, one word to remember that is very often forgotten is stewardship. Please be a good steward of our money. It is note your money. It is the people’s money and we elected you to manage it well.

I am all for raises. I like to get one and my 40 employees like to get raises, too. I give what I have budgeted, each person is rated and receives their fair due based on past performance. Nothing more, nothing less. If my location spends less than budgeted, then that is money saved, not wasted. I try to be a good steward of my company’s money.

JOHN LIFER

Fayetteville

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