By AMY RICKER
Great Bend Post
In gratitude to USD 428 School Board members, January has been designated as School Board Recognition Month. In honor of the critical role school board members play in serving the district's students and community, Eagle radio will be featuring each member during the rest of January.
Aaron Emerson was elected to the USD 428 School Board in November 2019 and began his term on January 1, 2020. Emerson says having three young children in the district's elementary school system was the largest motivating factor in running for a board position.
"That was a big part of it. I wanted to do it, not just for my kids but for all kids in the district. But really, I just wanted to show my kids that education is worthwhile. Don't think you're just going to school just because we make you and don't feel like it's an obligation. Remember, dad is willing to take time out of his day regularly and serve on this board for no money, no less. You know, it's kind of funny; we are one of the few elected positions that doesn't pay, which is fine. I'm glad to do it. I want to show my kids that this is worthwhile. It would be best if you were doing your work and committing to it because it is going to pay off in the long run," explains Emerson.
As the board's newest member, one of the most significant issues continues to be the current pandemic. Emerson explains that the ongoing changes that have had to be made since last spring has been an endless roller coaster ride.
"It started with last spring when they abruptly canceled school. The kids left for spring break, not realizing they were not coming back, and that just threw everybody for a loop. Then the district had to try and finish out the last couple of months as well as we could. At the end of it, they came back this school year in our district in-person with the proper precautions like masks and social distancing in place, which I prefer. I feel like many kids need that in-person socialization because that is what school is; socialization. It's not just the academics; it's also the social and emotional learning that they need to do," says Emerson.
Due to COVID 19, Emerson says mental health concerns continue to be at the top of the priority list.
"We've talked about what the mental health needs are going to be with students, staff, and parents moving forward. Of course, there's also the issues that families who are struggling right now financially or with health issues have if they get sick. We want to help take care of those kids as best we can while they are in our care. We get them for seven hours a day, five days a week basically, for nine months out of the year. We need to make sure we're doing the best we can when they are here and even out into their home life as best we can. The district needs to make sure they're given the tools to cope with what may be going on at home."
While the pandemic has forced the board to make some difficult decisions, Emerson feels it also brought out the best in the board in their ability to work together and adapt as the situation in 2020 up to now is ever-changing. He says that while the situation has seemed to stabilize for the immediate time-being, they also know they can get resources started if they need to go remote at the "drop of a hat."
"Superintendent Khris (Thexton) is always saying that we are having to build a plane as we are flying it. I think that's an accurate way of describing it. We don't always know where we are heading, but we have to build it as we go along," explained Emerson.
One of the ongoing discussions during school board meetings as of late has been the concept of developing a permanent virtual school for the district students. Emerson thinks it's a great idea to have that option going forward for students. While he admits that he has concerns regarding the students' emotional and social needs that would be attending remotely, he is confident that the district can solve those issues as well, should the research show a permanent virtual school is possible.
Emerson says balancing a full-time job and a school board position is done "very carefully."
"My job is flexible enough to allow me to do it. They encourage me to do so since I took over for my boss's wife. She came off the (school) board at the end of 2019, and I took her position. So, he's very understanding of me doing this and taking it on. My family is also very supportive of it since we have three young children in the school system. They all allow me to step away and take the time to do what I need to do."
Emerson says that while he has not experienced a high-emotional situation between the board and the public, he does remember the bond issue that did not pass, causing intense feelings on both sides. He feels the key is to listen to everyone.
"I can see both sides of that particular issue. Some people want to do what they feel is best for the school district and students at all costs. Then there are people who know it will be coming out of their pockets and causing financial stress. I understand both opinions. For me, you always hear that our kids are our future, and it's entirely true. I know it's cliché, but it's true regardless if you currently have kids in the school system or not. Someday I'm going to need all these kids after mine are grown to help take care of me in one area or another. In regards to conflict, I think it's essential to listen to everyone's opinions regardless of what side of the issue they are on and find that right balance in a solution."
Emerson explained that even if he had a crystal ball and could foretell what would happen with the pandemic in 2020, it would not have deterred him from running for election. One of the activities he's missing the most is having lunch in the different schools. Due to the pandemic and restrictions on outside visitors coming into the buildings, the board members have had to cancel and postpone those events. He says he misses the students' interaction and seeing firsthand how they are doing beyond their regular schoolwork.
Thinking back, Emerson said he "didn't exactly enjoy" school as a child himself.
"I did well enough, but I also didn't appreciate it enough back then. Looking back, I realize that I should have taken advantage of more of the opportunities available than I did. I think that's why I do what I do now on the board. That's my way of showing my kids that they should truly appreciate what they have available to them. It's setting the foundation for the rest of their lives. I've been out of school for 20 years, and I can still name many of my teachers and remember some of the things they told me."
To anyone considering running for a school board position in the future, Emerson leaves these words of advice.
"Be prepared to commit more time than what you think you will. It's not just one or two meetings a month. There is a lot more reading and documentation that goes on outside of that. There's a lot of research that happens on our own time. The other thing is that you have to be passionate about the district. That's the main thing. You have to truly care about all these kids and want to see them succeed."