Dr. Annette Griffin Superintendent of Schools November 2006 en Español

I write this column each month to share the good news about the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. There are many, many positive events occurring on our campuses each day. We have so much to celebrate. The celebrations may be that a young student may have just learned to read or a student has been named a National Merit Finalist.

But, whatever the achievement, we in C-FB ISD are proud of what our students accomplish, and the C-FB ISD supporters must be proactive in spreading the news about those triumphs.

One of those successes is the wonderful people who have chosen C-FB ISD as their professional home. Regardless of the job, these individuals play a vital role in helping students become more confident learners. I am amazed at the many staff members who come to work early, stay late or return on the weekends just so our schools can be positive places for students.

Recently, the School Board celebrated the service of 241 team members who have been a part of our organization for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and even 35 years. I marvel at the spirit of these individuals. They are truly the heart of C-FB ISD. Their passion for public education and children are what keep our district a premiere public school system – a beacon of hope not only for our community, but for this state and this country.

Our wonderful CFB-TV Producer Emily Olson, who is a C-FB ISD graduate, interviewed three team members who have served our community for 35 years. What amazing stories! All three – Linda Bambina, Kay Edmondson and Sara Gambrell - began their careers with us at R. L. Turner High School.

Linda Bambina, now the librarian at Ranchview High School, tells us how connected she feels to C-FB ISD … how appreciated she feels. She loves teaching and she believes that learning should be fun. Yes, teaching is a daunting task, but when a student "gets it," then the time and energy are worthwhile. Today, she strives to instill the same passion in the new teachers entering the profession as her mentors – Nancy Strickland and Ted Polk.

Kay Edmondson grew up in Carrollton and graduated from R. L. Turner High School. Soon she returned to her alma mater as an employee in the counseling office. Eventually, she landed in the Student Services Department where she works today as the PEIMS Coordinator and manages the student data that must be sent into the Texas Education Agency. Kay loves C-FB ISD because of the friendships and the people with whom she works. The district is a family affair for Kay because her son and two daughters-in-law are also part of our team.

Sara Gambrell started her C-FB ISD career as a temporary clerk at R. L. Turner. After that, she moved to the business office and has been there ever since. Thanks to her first supervisor Assistant Superintendent Bill Phipps, Sara learned so much about the world of school finance and business. Today, she is the district's Director of Accounting, and I can attest that Sara helps our business department run like clockwork. She continues to model what Bill Phipps did for her by encouraging others in the Business Department to "learn all that you can." Sara says she looks forward to coming to work every day because "I love the work and the people."

All three of our 35-year recipients have found that in C-FB ISD, we encourage everyone to be the best that he or she can be – whether a student or an employee.

As educators in C-FB ISD, we are blessed because we work in a community that believes in and supports public education. But, that's not always the case.

That's why I want to remind you about Friends of Texas Public Schools (FOTPS). FOTPS was created to boost public confidence and raise morale in Texas public schools. Recently, FOTPS presented Mike Boone, a partner in the Dallas law firm Haynes and Boone, with the second annual Friend of the Year award for his lifelong commitment to public education. Mike Boone has been a leader in the fight for equity in school funding. He has demonstrated courage and leadership, often resisting popular opinion in the business community in favor of a practical, equitable solution for school funding.

In his acceptance speech, Mike said, "Our public schools speak to who we are as people. Our public schools make a statement that we truly care about helping our children be successful in life . . . that goes for all children without regard to economic status or race or creed or color. Our public schools provide our young people with the greatest of gifts – an education . . . the greater equalizer."

Mike's words are so true. Those of us who believe in public education must stand up for schools, for our children and for people like Linda, Kay and Sara who have committed their lives to children.

As Texans, we cannot stand on the sidelines. We must have the courage and fortitude to fight for our public schools. I encourage you to take a moment a share one triumph about C-FB ISD with a friend, a colleague or neighbor. I also ask you to take another moment to visit www.fotps.org to find out positive facts about Texas public schools.

We in C-FB ISD must never be complacent about sharing the triumphs of our students and educators. Go out and spread the good news today!

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