Chet Drenth, a 25-year member of Ellsworth Community Schools Board of Education, spent some time recently reflecting on his past service and his memories while a board member. Photo by Jeffray N. Kessler

When he thinks back on all the changes he has seen over the years, he is convinced that involvement is more important than ever. Most people profess to have pride in their community and pride in their school. Drenth has added a passion to that pride, setting a new standard and challenge for those who will step into the leadership position he will vacate next month.

Drenth described his philosophy about his decision to enter into the world of school management for his community.

"When you are not involved, you can be misled by rumor that can create conflict which might in turn be damaging to the school and its students. When you are involved, you are progressive and become part of the solution. That is where the rewards are,Ó"he said.

He continued. "You get to know students, staff, and administration. It is a way to interact with people who are such an important part of life. I have learned so much and heard so many good ideas that it just became inspirational.

It was 1982 when then Supt. Charles Pelham and board President Bud Tornga showed up in his front yard one night. Drenth was already involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Pig Roast, and Lions Club. Tornga and Pelham proceeded to convince him he would be an asset to the school. 25 years later, he has missed but one school board meeting É one in 25 years of involvement and dedication: the new standard.

Involvement has its rewards according to Drenth and he hopes by sharing some of them, others will be inspired to join a cause that has a direct impact on future generations.

"There is tremendous pride during graduation. When I see the students turn their tassels, there is the feeling in my heart that I might have had just a little to do with that accomplishment. I have looked back on the achievements of our graduates. When very close to 100 percent of our students have graduated over these 25 years and been accepted to whatever post high school endeavor they have chosen, it makes me feel good. I have held babies in my arms, including my own two daughters, and then experienced the joy of watching them graduate from our school," he said.

The future is filled with challenges that will demand a new level of community involvement according to Drenth. There is the continued impact of Proposal A, maintaining the instructional intimacy that comes with small class sizes, fulfilling state and federal demands on core curriculum in the face of shrinking and inadequate financial support, providing facilities and equipment that keep pace with technological advances, and exposing students to the most competent and concerned staff available.

He advises, "The people who become involved are going to have to be more creative with finances and the use of resources from our neighboring districts. There will need to be coordination and collaboration. Those schools that are not open to change may not survive."

When it comes to school leadership, Drenth says there is definitely a formula for success, and it involves a true devotion to working together. He remembers addressing one of the boards on this issue, and it may offer a key to the success of future boards.

He said, Ò"f we are all here with individual agendas, we will accomplish nothing. We can have different thoughts and opinions, but we have to come together with what is best for our students." He went on to say he was never afraid to ask for help or ask questions to learn more about any particular topic. "When you get to the point where you feel like you have all the answers, it is time to get off the board."

As he looks forward to a few more evenings off, Drenth cannot help but remember all the good people that he has encountered along the way. ÒGood administrators, staff, board members and citizens have been supportive and helped me through the difficult times.Ó

And now come the good times for Drenth. When asked what he plans to do with his free time, he smiles and unhesitatingly says, "Grandkids! T-Ball! Plays!Ó How lucky those kids will be to have one of the masters of involvement on their side as a grandfather. Thus ends this lesson of the importance that involvement plays in our families, communities, and schools. Drenth is a living testament to its value. He credits a friend for providing him with the inspirational phrase that has guided him over his quarter century of work for Ellsworth Schools: ÒThe cost of education is high. The cost of ignorance is even higher.Ó