Marv Smith moved to Iola in the fall of 1966 to teach at what was then a state-of-the-art science building, shared by Iola High School and Allen County Junior College.
He stayed for the people ? the administrators and the students, his friends and neighbors ? long after that science building lost its luster. He watched as bond issues to build new schools failed and saw other area communities, like Chanute and Garnett, build new facilities and welcome businesses and families.
?We lost out 25, 30 years ago,? Smith said. ?Iola never did get that big bond issue pushed through so we just kind of piece-mealed and piece-mealed things to get by and look where we are today.?
Smith is now retired from teaching science, but still serves as cross country coach for Iola High School and substitute teaches when needed. He?s originally from Oklahoma and was teaching in Galena when a roommate suggested the position in Iola. At the time, the high school shared its brand-new science building with the junior college.
?I was happy to come here and have that building,? he said. ?The laboratory was set up really nice. At that time, teachers were very mobile so I figured we?d be in Iola three to four years.?
Instead, Smith devoted his career to Iola. He appreciated the administrators, staff and students who crossed his path over the years. But after the college moved, much of the lab space in the science building became utilized for other things. Smith understands how a new science and technology center could better serve the needs of students and teachers.
?It?ll be more practical,? he said.
He also understands, perhaps better than most, how good schools attract teachers and families.
?That?s why I came here,? he said. ?We let all these other communities get ahead of us. If I?m looking to move my family, that?s the first thing I?d look at.?
ROOMS WITH consistent temperatures. Reliable internet. A separate space for meals and phys ed classes. Less travel. Handicapped-accessible facilities. Older students setting positive examples for younger students. Adequate space for activities.
Those are among the ?wish list? items USD 257 teachers shared in response to a question posted by Dimity Lowell as part of the weekly series Ask the Register.
Lowell?s question read: ?I would like to know how teachers feel about a new building and the benefits from teachers? perspectives.?
While some teachers were reluctant to share their personal opinions, others expressed support for the April 2 bond issue that will ask voters to support building a new elementary school for $25.5 million, and also whether to build a new science/technology center at the high school campus and replace the HVAC system at the middle school.
Teachers and other USD 257 staff are allowed to share their opinions when they are acting as a citizen, and can provide only factual information when they are at work and representing the school district. For the purpose of this article, those who shared personal opinions were asked to do so ?off the clock.?
