By Gary Pitts
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-999817.mp3
Murray, KY – State Education Commissioner Dr. Terry Holliday spent an entire day earlier this week living the life of a Murray school teacher. It was a prize won by the Murray Independent School District at a silent auction. The prize specifically, was to have the commissioner at the school district's disposal for the day. So district officials planned a full schedule to emulate what a teacher might experience on a given day. Gary Pitts checked in with the commissioner throughout the day, and looked into what it meant for him and the district.
GARY: Commissioner Holliday begins his day as any school teacher would, early. By 7:00 am, he's out in front of Murray Elementary School helping direct children into the building as their parents drop them off.
HOLLIDAY: "Busy day it looks like. I'll tell you, I'm gonna be tired at the end of this day."
GARY: Busy indeed. No sooner has bus duty ended than its time to get ready for a guest appearance on the school's morning Tiger Cub News.
NEWS SOUND: "'Now let's check in with Dr. Holliday.' Dr. Holliday we are very honored to have you here helping us today.' I'm very honored to be here.'"
GARY: Holliday spends his time on the program giving Tiger Tag awards to students recognized for being particularly respectful.
NEWS SOUND: "'Congratulations to all of our Tiger Tag recipients today.' Thank you Dr. Holliday. Now it's time for a weird but true fact. Do you like ostriches?'"
GARY: And after his appearance, which solidifies his celebrity status among the students, Dr Holliday takes a second to talk about the day ahead and what he expects to learn.
HOLLIDAY: "The decisions that are being made in Frankfort and in Washington D.C. How do they really impact frontline folks; teachers and students and principals and superintendants? And what are the things that they want to tell us that we can do better?"
GARY: And that's right in line with the school district's purpose for the day.
BOB ROGERS: "We scheduled him a really tough day "
GARY: Bob Rogers is the Superintendant for Murray Independent Schools. He says one thing he wants Dr. Holliday to understand the impact of Senate Bill 1.
ROGERS: " which is a massive overhaul. And it's really tough on our teachers to continue to teach what they're teaching while learning the new standards. Hopefully our teachers will get the opportunity to share with him the impact of some of those decisions that are made in Frankfort because as they filter down and go through the regulations, sometimes they're pretty tough to implement. Particularly when there's no money."
GARY: With these things in mind, Dr. Holliday moves further into his day. He's no stranger to the classroom. As a matter of fact, he's a former band director. So he feels right at home as he joins Mrs. Kim Black's kindergarten music class. You can hear the low overtones he adds the classroom chorus.
"Mitten Weather"
GARY: Mrs. Black says she's excited to have Dr. Holliday in her classroom, but she also hopes he can take away a new understanding from his experience.
KIM BLACK: "I know he has taught. So I know he's aware of how difficult it is for us to have to document everything that we have to document. And the state does require us to document a lot. And I know he knows that, but of course he'll see how busy we are, and probably reinforce that."
GARY: As Holliday leaves Mrs. Black's class
singing...
GARY: there's no rest for the weary. He moves from class to class, then from school to school as he visits the preschool, middle school, and high school. That's where we catch up to him again. And once again, he's in the music room, where it's obvious he feels very comfortable.
music...
GARY: Its near the end of the day, at least for most of the students. But for Holliday, the school district board office awaits. Once a month, teachers, principals, and other administrators gather for a District Leadership Team meeting. There, they discuss strategies for implementing the new common core standards defined by Senate Bill 1, and the difficulty of preparing students for new end-of-course assessments. It's after 5 o'clock as the meeting ends, and the day is finally drawing to a close. Dr. Holliday discusses some of the challenges for teachers he's seen throughout the day, and what issues he needs to address.
HOLLIDAY: "I had a great conversation with a high school teacher. Very frustrated. Algebra II has got new rigorous standards and we don't have any textbook money. They need new textbooks."
GARY: Holliday says examples like that are what he needs when he addresses the Kentucky General Assembly as new regulations and budget cuts are considered. He says he comes into days like this one understanding what many of the needs and frustrations are, but each experience like this gives him new perspective. Murray High Principal Teresa Speed may have said it best. She says this kind of experience can be energizing for someone in the Commissioner's position, helping to reaffirm that when you work in education, you do it for the kids.