Education commissioner optimistic about state's future
“73% of Kansas students need more than a high school diploma,” Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Education Commissioner, told the July luncheon meeting of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce during a noon speech Wednesday at the Hutchinson Community College.
The July chamber luncheon, an annual event to honor the county’s educators, was sponsored by ESSDACK, an educational service agency headquartered in Hutchinson whose focus is empowering teachers, administrators, and students throughout Kansas. ESSDACK has been serving area schools for 40 years.
Watson, recognized by his contemporaries as a “think outside the box” administrator, said attention to education has changed dramatically during the past 80 years.
“Following World War II, there was an emphasis put on high school graduates to pursue four years of college,” Watson said. “Today, half of the job openings involve a need for skilled workers.”
Watson showed a photo of sub-four-minute miler Jim Ryan as he crossed the finish line in 1965, establishing a world record for speed. As Ryan reached the tape, bystanders cheered.
“The record was achieved by hard work and when you are successful, people cheer,” Watson said.
With audience participation, Watson challenged each table to list the two most important attribute everyone would aspire for their children or employees to possess and to the surprise of few, initiative and integrity won out.
According to Watson, the attributes most lacking among youth today are soft skills including verbal, written, leadership and creativity.
“Soft skills can be attained in a multitude of ways, including participation in the Future Farmers of America, 4H, Boys and Girls Scouts, and athletics,” Watson said.
However, Watson said there is good news to report.
“Reading skills is improving among Kansas students and this year, we achieved the highest graduation (high school) rate in the history of our state,” Watson said. “In Kansas, there are more jobs than available workers, and employers are experiencing difficulty finding enough workers.”
Recalling his own childhood, Watson talked about how one of his first jobs was mowing lawns for $2 to earn sufficient funds to purchase a bicycle for pursuing a better job delivering newspapers.
“We work hard because there is something on the other end we want,” Watson said.
Watson, the father of two sons, said he, like all parents, aspires to see his children live happy and fulfilled lives.
In closing, Watson said he has never been more optimistic about the future of Kansas despite a multitude of challenges on the horizon. And, he admonished young people spending countless hours on social media that it would be wise to attend meetings like the Chamber luncheon and get to know each other better to determine how they might serve.
Dr. Chad Higgins, Executive Director of Essdack, spoke briefly about his organization’s mission.
Higgins said Essdack is one of six similar organizations in Kansas that provide service to school districts. Among services provided by Essdack include strategic planning, efficiency audits, and retirement planning.
“Also, we work with expelled students and their families on the next steps required to improve their situation,” Higgins said.
Essdack will sponsor a Career Expo, October 29-30 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Janitorial Solutions was named recipient of the July Small Business Award.
 | A guest post by
|