Articles in Ted’s Talk

A pipe from the Irving heating system, totally obstructed and recently replaced A rendering of the exterior of the planned new district office Many of our recent administrative, board, and staff conversations have centered on facilities and curriculum…

Last weekend was a family wedding weekend for my family, with my sister’s youngest son getting married. I have officiated quite a few weddings, but it is different when there is a family connection. Weddings are one of…

On September 12 Indianola Community School District patrons will have the opportunity to go to the polls to elect new school board members and to vote on the renewal of the school district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy….

Monday night, February 13, the Indianola CSD School Board approved a two-year contract with the Indianola Education Association. The IEA membership had ratified the tentative agreement on Thursday afternoon. The contract is a total package settlement of 1.98%…

I was asked to write an article on this topic for the paper. Here is a re-run of that: Iowa school finance is complicated, but understanding certain concepts can help one’s overall understanding. I appreciate being asked to…

Resolute This time of year, as we usher in a new year, there is inevitably talk of New Year’s resolutions. I know there have been years that I have written resolutions because I believe there is power in…

There is nothing quite like Iowa school finance, and this blog attempts to explain a few key concepts. The goal is to make the complex more understandable, so this blog will not attempt to address every nuance of…

I really love Iowa except for its winters. The early morning school cancellation decision is the bane of a superintendent’s existence! I haven’t met an administrative colleague who enjoys being up early to check roads, obsess about forecasts,…

Communication and Relationships I have been fortunate to be an educator since my college graduation in 1988. I have also known the joy of coaching and the fulfillment of ministry during the last three decades. My family is…

It is impossible not to be a little nostalgic during graduation season, Memorial Day weekend, and the last week of school. While we are pushing on to the next thing, we are also looking back fondly. Celebrations and…

Wednesday morning, March 30, Emerson Elementary staff and students staged a surprise assembly to congratulate Principal Mark Timmerman on qualifying for the Boston Marathon April 18. Mr. Timmerman, a committed runner, has completed six marathons previously and qualified…

It’s a Small World After All Emerson Elementary held a very successful and engaging Culture Day on Friday, March 11. Besides student artwork and lots of food and celebration, students had the opportunity to learn from and interact…