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It was exactly the path Ron always dreamed his life would take. A path he’d walk with Kylee on his arm. And now he’d arrived.
“We need to make a final decision about the test prep company.”
Mrs. Steen’s voice cut through Ron’s daydreaming like a butter knife that had slipped down the sink into a garbage disposal. Unfortunately, he couldn’t flip a switch to stop the grinding sounds. And so, Ron reluctantly left his dream world and came back to the present.
It was an early morning teacher’s meeting. His time was running out. He needed to make a decision on the test prep company by the end of the week. His mind was already made up, but it would look good to show that he’d at least thought about the other companies vying for the job.
“Why not go with what’s tried and true,” said Mrs. Simmons. “We’ve had a relationship with Here 2 Learn for a few years now.”
“Records show they’re not up to date with the latest testing models,” said Mrs. Steen. “I’ve taken a look at Thrive Learning systems and have been really impressed with their innovations.”
“I’m surprised, Martha.” Mrs. Simmons turned her full attention to Mrs. Steen. “You typically prefer to do things old school, as the kids like to say.”
Mrs. Steen nodded. “This is a new generation and they respond to different methods. I think we shoot ourselves in the foot if we don’t change with the times and update what’s not working.”
Ron couldn’t agree with her more. Of course, he didn’t tell her that. He’d let the staff argue it out knowing Mrs. Steen usually got her way in the end.
The small group continued the debate as Ron looked down at Thrive’s pitch packet. The sample questions and language didn’t have Kylee’s name on them, but he knew it was her handiwork. The questions were formed in common sense language, not confusing verbiage that could be interpreted in different ways. That was his Kylee.
His Kylee. Man, did he like the sound of that.
“Principal Kidd? Ron?”
Ron looked up. All eyes were on him. Brows were raised and pencils twiddling as though they’d been waiting to get his attention for a few minutes now.
“The room is divided,” said Mrs. Steen. “Where are you leaning? With Here 2 Learn or Thrive Learning Systems?”
Ron pursed his lips and drew his brows in as though he were thinking hard on this big decision. And it was a big decision. He’d just already made up his mind.
“I think it’s time for a change,” said Ron.
“He’s going with Thrive,” said Mrs. Steen, a rare look of approval on her stern face.
“Of course, he is,” said Mrs. Simmons. “He’s dating one of the company’s personnel who also happens to be a student’s mother.”
The teachers had been gathering their items to leave believing a decision had been made which rendered their services no longer necessary. Now pencils clattered down to the table. Papers stopped shuffling. All eyes, once again, turned to him.
Ron cleared his throat and stood. If he were going to make a stand, he was going to physically stand in his truth. “I’m going with Thrive because, as pointed out by at least half of you, Here 2 Learn has made mistakes that have cost this school and our students in the past. We all know the stakes of these standardized tests. It’s a high price, not only for the students but our job security as well. I’ve seen in their pitch alone that Thrive has clearly demonstrated that they are aware and have protocols to address those issues. The lead preparer also happens to be a mother of a student and a Barton alumna.”
“So is Iman Hilson who works at Here 2 Learn,” said Mr. Stevens.
“True,” said Ron. “But like I said, that company hasn’t addressed the mistakes of the past. We can’t afford to have them repeated yet again. And yes, I’m dating Kylee Bauer.”
A collective murmur went around the room. In a group of adults, Ron felt like he was back in grade school at the response.
“I’ve known her all my life,” he continued. “Some of you have too and you know she is thorough and detail oriented and does phenomenal work.”
“Oh, Kylee Bauer?” said Mr. Stevens. “She lives in my neighborhood. She’s the valedictorian who ran off with the biker kid, what was his name?”
“She’s divorced now,” said Ron.
“Not the best decision,” someone said under their breath.
“She just moved back into her parents’ home,” said Mr. Stevens. “I saw her ex-husband’s bike parked out front of the house this morning when I was coming in from getting the newspaper.”
Ron’s world stopped. The eyes were back on him. He no longer felt tall in his big stand. His legs gave out. And he sat down.
Chapter Seventeen
