The Great Mouse Race–How Lindbergh Can Stay Ahead of the Pack

I attended a very interesting fundraiser for the Lindbergh Early Childhood Education Center over the weekend. While I have attended numerous chili suppers, fish frys, trivia nights, award banquets, and open houses, this was my first experience with a Mouse Race. 

I was not really sure what to expect, other than actual mice racing. Actually, the rodents were gerbils, because mice are “too small to see,” according to the organizer of the race. No one seemed to mind, as it's really all about the competitive spirit. Pairing competition with a good cause such as our children is a winning combination.

The crowd marveled at how some of the mice just sat there, others took a great spring forward and others took a more stop-start-stop approach. Each mouse had a name that sponsors picked, so in actuality, you would be more likely to bet on your favorite teacher, favorite school or sports team-named mouse. Cheering on “Flyer” or “Ms. Lisa” was far more fun than cheering for a random rodent.

This dedication to a rodent, albeit one in which you had a financial interest, reminded me about something we value as a community: loyalty. In Sunset Hills and Crestwood, we are loyal to our community in a way that not many other communities can claim.

When natural disasters hit home, we respond in joining together to get through the tough times. We are loyal to our local public and private schools, opting to realize that we have much to offer as a long-standing, stable place to live, work and play.

The Mouse Race also reminded me that not everyone can compete. Not everyone even knows there is a race going on. It’s like the Lindbergh School District’s status as first place in academics for the entire state of Missouri. We have always known that Lindbergh is a great district. What we have not always known is how to keep it there.

My hope is that our loyalty will not cloud our competitive spirit. As a School District, we need to stay not merely one or two steps ahead of the competition, but at least a football field ahead. We need more tools in our toolbox so that we can plan for the future (like growth and longevity of our teachers), yet also be able to react to situations beyond our control (like declining property values and a reduced budget).

Only by “thinking outside the box” can we truly stay on top. There needs to be a balance between our strong traditions and new innovative leadership. Fresh outlooks, new perspectives and passionate parents are always needed on parent committees, school administration, teachers and Board of Education members. An educated community is a prosperous one.

The April 5 election for the Lindbergh Board of Education is approaching. Please review the stances of all the candidates at:

http://www.lindberghschools.ws/article.php?story=20110302123436510. Be a part of the discussion on how to “Keep Lindbergh, Lindbergh.”

Read up on all of the candidates, choose your mouse, and cheer us on!