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May 2008 --
from MESPA President Richard Oscarson
It seems like we just started the school year. I trust that you had a school year filled with great memories and more positive experiences than difficult times. My first of two years as your president was fantastic. I have enjoyed the chance to meet many of our nearly 1,000 current members and to work closely with the MESPA Board of Directors and the MESPA staff.
Thank you for joining MESPA
On behalf of the MESPA Board of Directors, I want to thank each of you for your membership in MESPA. The board and I sincerely appreciate the time and quality work from all of the committee chairs and their committee members in working towards MESPA’s recently adopted strategic plan and the five goals in that strategic plan. I encourage anyone interested in serving on a MESPA committee next year to contact your division president, Fred Storti, or me. Oh, before I forget, remember to send in your 2008-09 MESPA membership form and dues by August 1. This really helps the MESPA office staff in planning for the year.
Thank you to our retiring principals
I want to also send my best to the MESPA principals who are retiring this year. You have left a positive imprint on hundreds if not thousands of children, staff, and families during your years as principal. Your dedication to children and good work is a model for the rest of us to strive towards as we work with our students, staff, and families in the coming years.
I especially want to recognize my good friend and colleague, Pat Murray, as he moves on to the next adventure in his life. I was honored to attend his school’s Minnesota School of Excellence celebration in late March. The genuine love and respect for Pat by his students, staff, and families was heartwarming. This happened because Pat cared enough over the years to expect great things from his staff and students. I also want to thank Pat Murray for his five years on the MESPA Executive Board. Pat, you have been a good mentor for me as I fulfill my five-year term on the executive board. Best wishes Pat on your retirement!
In Memoriam
We also sadly said good-bye to several MESPA principals who passed away this past year. In December I attended the wake for Bob Indihar, one of our Lakeville retired principal colleagues. His family must have been comforted to have so many of the people Bob touched during his 30 plus years as a principal pay their respects at his wake and funeral. The thing that stood out most to me was that Bob was wearing his MESPA pin on his standard blue blazer and his wife had proudly displayed a letter of commendation from MESPA for his work done years before he retired. Even though Bob had been retired for 10 years, it was evident that he was proud that he was a principal.
You will notice something new in this issue of the Advocate. Beginning this year we have included the names of our retirees from the past year, as well as a memorial section for our colleagues who have passed away during the year. If we have missed anyone, please let the MESPA office know.
Enjoy the summer!
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to enjoy the summer. Sure I have tons of things to complete before the start of the 2008-09 school year, but I’m not going to forget about taking some time for myself. I deserve it. I worked hard this year. I plan to do some golfing and spend a week in July at a cabin near Alexandria with my family. And of course do a few projects around the house. Have a great summer! You deserve it.
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