Conversation Over Pancakes

While many stories could probably be told about the Pancake Breakfast last Saturday, the most meaningful has been the connection that RUSD Superintendent Rick Miller made with two Emerson teachers.

Two recently hired teachers (who are on the lay-off list) entered the cafeteria together, as if by Divine appointment, with Dr. Miller at about 7 a.m. The teachers admittedly felt awkward as they knew who he was but chose to sit down with him anyway. "Does he know that we are getting laid off? Does he know what this could do to my family?" they wondered. Dr. Miller immediately started talking with Monica and Brandi, asking about their jobs, their tenure, their families, and the horrible economic conditions forcing teacher lay-offs throughout the state. They connected over pancakes. It could be easy for them to villianize an unknown administrator, assuming that he doesn't care about their plight. But after sitting down together and sharing a meal, the teachers realized that Dr. Miller is a real person who is genuinely torn apart by what is happening in our schools. While you may be saying "Go light on the syrup and butter, please, Mr. McCombs," I hope that you'll understand the importance of face-to-face personal communication...which is even better shared over a meal.

Dr. Miller spoke about his connection with the Emerson teachers during the school board meeting last night. He publicly expressed his appreciation for the two Emerson teachers with whom he shared pancakes, explaining that they could have expressed their anger or bitterness by staying home, but instead they went to school on a Saturday morning at 7 a.m. to volunteer their support for a school fundraiser. He realizes that these teachers who pour their hearts into their work everyday will be without work. The Emerson teachers are not numbers to Dr. Miller, they have families and they dedicate their full efforts to students every day.

Many great stories could be told about the Pancake Breakfast, such as how we raised almost $4,ooo, or how pies were thrown in the faces of the administration. But without a doubt, the greatest story developed through a chance conversation shared by three selfless professionals over a stack of pancakes.