Disembarking from the delayed flight helped to raise my spirits for the trip. The four-hour delay was taxing for sure. Waving goodbye to the attendants and pilot, I slowly made my way the baggage claim. The anxious moments watching the variety of colored bags fall down the ramp kept me on edge. I hate waiting for the bag to arrive. I am always afraid that it won’t arrive. It has never happened but there is always the first time when you are left wanting. Then I saw my bag make its way around the return belt and I pleasantly grasped the handle in my hand.
Strolling into the cool night air reminded me that the delayed flight had placed my arrival somewhere shortly after midnight. My brother and I made our way to Manuel, our Uber driver, who told us about the negatives of driving for Uber. We finally hit the hotel bed exhausted from the short trip somewhere around 1:15 in the morning.
The days events were sure to evoke happiness and sadness both within minutes of each other as we were headed to gather with family and friends in order to remember my niece who had passed some time ago from an unexpected illness. Her passing isn't the story that I mean to tell, but it does allow you to know why we were traveling.
That morning was a series of quick motions as we hurried ourselves to make our way to the ceremony. The first stop was Hertz rentals. I had already selected my vehicle with the convenience of the Southwest app and so I knew the price and was ready to make a quick signature and go. The woman helping me was pleasant and offered advice about how to structure the gas so that, as she assured me, would save time and money. I accepted her explanation and carefully read the readout she provided and was surprised to see that the price for the one day rental had risen more than double the original cost. I questioned the price and she again assured me that it wouldn’t be a problem and it would be better for me.
As I walked away, questioning my decision to sign, I still kept thinking about the transaction and wondering if it would actually work out. As we loaded ourselves and our bags into the red Corolla, I just couldn’t get the transaction out of my mind. I started the car and slowly made my way to the front gate where Debra greeted us with a hearty hello and an extremely friendly smile. As she took the contract and began to check to make sure we had everything correct, she said, “How long are you going to have this car and how far are you planning on driving?”
“Just today and maybe 20 miles” I replied.
She turned towards me and stated, “Then you don’t want this gas program we have here. I know she sold it to you but you will pay way more for that instead of just filling it up before you come back. I can fix that for you and you will only pay for the car. Much better for you. I don’t know why they do that.”
“Thanks, Debra, I really would appreciate that.” I said with a smile.
Walt Disney said, “ You can design, and create the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality. Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort.”
As we look to support our new students this year, please keep in mind how we approach each situation. Are we upselling or are we staying to our purpose and solving the issues that are presented us with our "why" in mind. Are we telling everyone that will listen, like Manuel, the awful stories of our current situation?
Debra saved the repetition of a corporation, in my eyes, through her commitment to me personally.
I am thankful for the wonderful understanding people that we have in our district. We still have disputes and conflicts but ultimately we put our kids first and work to support the reputation of our schools and colleagues.
Enjoy this first weekend off and I will see you all next week.
Rob
Superintendent
Redding Elementary School District
New Millennium Partnership
5885 East Bonnyview Rd.
Redding, Ca 96001