Back In Scottsdale

I am back in Scottsdale, for a while anyway, after a whirlwind trip to Sacramento for an Educational Leadership Committee followed by an Education Code Revision Committee.  It may not sound like much, but they were very productive and stimulating meetings.

I confess that I am not one for meetings.  I consider them necessary evils—the price I must pay (together with paperwork) to participate in the areas of my work that are most rewarding.  I am learning that meetings are as productive as I choose for them to be.  A lot depends on the person who is in charge of the committee or meeting.  These were under the able leadership of our Pacific Union Conference Superintendent—and it makes a difference.  These were meetings that were driven by visioning and matters of consequence.  I enjoyed the process.  I even enjoyed the policy revision committee, even if the items for discussion will directly impact our AZ school system in a less favorable way—at least to begin with.

Yesterday I was in Tucson to interview a potential teacher.  There is not much to report at this moment, but it seems to be a promising scenario.  Glenview is also facing some staffing challenges which will require some creative staffing and realignment.  I was on the phone most of the morning and midafternoon.  As you may know, TAA is facing a second major transition in its administration in two years.  This one will be a bit less traumatic since it has been a slow and deliberate process.  The transition will have some ripples, but I am hopeful it will be for the best.

My wife in coming into town today—I will be leaving in a few minutes to pick her up from the airport.  I certainly look forward to the summer when things seem a bit more normal on the home front.  Penny will be in town for the summer, and perhaps at long last, for the coming school year.  For now I must content myself with having her around two or three times a month, and reciprocating on the other weekends.

It will soon be Sabbath.  I am preaching at the Glendale SDA Church tomorrow.  It should be a great day.  Mom will be in Prescott with her new daughter and son.  I will be in the Valley of the Sun with my sweetheart!  Happy Sabbath to all of you!