‘Always more room to learn’

After 24 years of working for the NRHEG district, retired staff member Pat Theuer envisioned a smooth transition to the school board. And Theuer had good instincts, with one notable exception.

 

"I had no idea as to the learning curve it would present," Theuer said. "I appreciate those that I get to work with on the board as I learn from them also."

 

Now, well into her second year on the board, it is her main objective to help the NRHEG school systems remain vital and do so in a way that is fiscally responsible. And as her term continues, this former student data management coordinator and administrative assistant is ready for any twists and turns that come her way.

 

"The training and the learning opportunities provided for board members surprised me," she said. "There is always more to learn, but I did have responsibilities and opportunities while employed by the district that have helped me as a board member, especially when it comes to student achievement."

 

Evidently, this seasoned staffer has found a way to put her experience to good use. And the board isn't complaining either.

 

"I enjoyed my job with the district, especially the people I worked with and the students," she said. "I wanted to stay involved, and being a board member is one important way I can still be involved and contribute. I started thinking about serving on the school board my last year of employment with the district. I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of the experience."

 

With such a brief transitional period from her previous duties, all feels right with the world. She just couldn't envision not having some sort of connection to the NRHEG school district.

 

"We have an advantage in being a smaller district," she said. "I have always said that there is a family feel to the district."

 

In her opinion, what gives the district an edge is the smaller class sizes. This is especially pivotal from Pre-K through the second grade, and she will do her utmost to keep it that way.

 

"My four children graduated from NRHEG and now my grandchildren attend," she said. "I want to see this district keep moving forward and succeed the best that it can."

 

While artificial intelligence is a great asset, she feels it must be used in an appropriate manner. Technology as a whole invites a whole plethora of things to watch out for.

 

"We all will need to stay 'on top' of what is happening in this fast-paced world," she said. "Not only to be sure that our students and staff are safe, but that they are provided with the tools they need to manage what is out there."

 

She continued, "My main goal is to make sure that our students have the experiences and the education they need to be able to go out and function in today’s world. Obtaining and retaining quality staff is also a top priority."

 

Aside from school board meetings, this retired lady enjoys helping out on the homestead as needed. Then, whenever she can, she squeezes in time with family.

 

"I grew up in Blooming Prairie and moved to a farm outside of Ellendale 44 years ago when I married my husband," she said. "My oldest son and his family live on the home farm a quarter mile down the road. I like small town, rural living."

 

She also holds dear the lovely educational years of her youth. Human interaction meant everything to this very active and involved student, and apparently it still does.

 

"I have a group of eight friends that I still get together with every year to reminisce and do something special," she said. "We started doing this a few years out of high school and have carried on the tradition since."

 

Her grandkids also know what it's like to be treasured beyond measure. Whenever she can, she passes on words of wisdom to each one of them, no matter how simple.

 

"Listening and communication goes a long way," she said. "While we might not always agree with what people are saying, we need to respect other points of view and reasoning."

 

She concluded, "I do miss the students and the staff as well as the work I did. There was never a dull moment. There was always something new to learn or discover. You just never knew what a day would bring. I have always believed an element of fun is necessary to create a good working environment and we had plenty of that!"