It's all about people

Yesterday, Larry Vick, superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools, gave me a tour of the new $23 million expansion and renovation project at Owensboro High School. It's well done with a 2,500-seat gymnasium and 14,000-square-foot fine arts wing that is probably second to few in Kentucky.

You could see the pride in Larry's face as he explained the details and thought process that was behind every decision. As we walked, he introduced me to several teachers who shared Larry's enthusiasm; it was obvious that they, too, were filled with pride and anticipation about their new surroundings and what it means for students as they return to school today. When I mentioned the teachers' bright eyes, he smiled and said, "It's all about people." Thirty-six years as a school superintendent has taught him that fact.

I thought about the irony of a $23 million facilities upgrade and how that is actually a people investment. It's true. People make the difference in any organization or business. "Get the right people on the bus," "Hire the best you can." Those are all staples of any best-selling leadership book I've ever read. At Owensboro High School, teachers' enthusiasm about their new surroundings will certainly lead to more motivation for learning

Philosophies come and go. I've learned in my career that there's actually few new ideas. What makes systems go or fail are the people behind them. This might seem quaint, but I was reminded yesterday for one hour of how true it still is.