By Neal Ronquist Austin Daily Herald.

Sunday, September 05, 1999

By Neal Ronquist

Austin Daily Herald

A few years ago the Minnesota Vikings suffered through what could only be termed a tumultuous off season. It was an off season filled with ownership questions, player problems, coaching problems, financial problems and countless others. The once proud organization had its reputation tarnished and kicked almost on a daily basis.

Yet when last season kicked off, all of the problems of the past off-season were quickly forgotten. A new owner, a rejuvenated coach and players dedicated to reaching the pinnacle of their profession helped instill "Purple Pride." Just weeks into the season no one remembered, or cared about the past.

Well, Austin Public Schools has faced a sort of tumultuous off season. Accusations have been strewn, fingers pointed, problems discovered and admitted, feelings hurt and the reputation of a school district somewhat blackened.

Now with the school year two days old it is time for everyone – school board members, district personnel, newspaper columnists and all community members – to band together and forget the past.

Nothing constructive can come of more barbs and rehashing of the situations the Austin Public Schools has dealt with this past year. Voters will ultimately judge the performance of the current school board come November and in turn the school board will judge the performances of those it has hired to lead the district.

It’s time to focus on the new season and the excitement of a bright future – a future that includes everyone of the children that enter our schools.

In place is a new superintendent, Dr. James Hess, key individuals in the administrative office and a group of teachers and educators committed to the education of each and every child in Austin.

It is a district that already turns out hundreds of quality students each year. Students ready to tackle the next challenge, whether it be college or vocation.

It is a district filled with the latest technology and educators who know how to use it to get the most out of their students.

It is a district always looking to improve itself with new programs and new opportunities for students.

It is a district that prides itself on providing students with terrific extracurricular activities, whether it be in the fine arts or athletics.

It is a district that fulfills many important community needs, such as buildings that providing meeting space and space for youth activities; educators and administrators that can help local businesses with problems and needs; and most importantly it provides a rallying point for the community.

It is also district that has had tremendous community support, including both individual and business. Whether it has been supporting levy referendums, or volunteering to help at one of the schools, Austinites have always dedicated themselves to providing the children of Austin with the very best.

When it comes to our children the very best is never too much to ask for and that’s why the topic of schools is always a passionate one.

It’s high time we all take the passion we’ve been displaying and use it to constructively move our schools forward for the betterment of all concerned. We need to put aside personal agendas and personal feelings and look at the big picture. We need to reinvigorate Austin Pride – pride in our schools – and look at this new school year as an opportunity to scale new heights, achieve new goals.

The sky is the limit if we forget the past and move ahead.

It’s a new school year. Here’s hoping it’s the best ever for all.

Neal Ronquist’s column appears Sundays