Page 14 - AASBO EDGE BTS 2023

CRYSTAL CLEAR

BY DALE PONDER
Don’t Be Fooled by the Rocks That I’ve Got!

Dale Ponder

Queue the trumpet: “Days like these are far too rare familiar, a geode, originating from the Greek
to cheapen with heavy handed words, and so, I'm word, “geoides” – which means “earth-like” – is
afraid without any ado whatsoever, here he is, one an intriguing geological formation that appears
of your own, sitting a stone’s throw from this very as an ordinary, unremarkable rock on the outside
stage, and here before you now, lords and ladies….” but – don’t be fooled! – contains a spectacular,
crystal-filled cavity within. Depending on what’s
Russell Deneault, our association’s President, inside, sometimes a geode can sell for thousands
the AASBO Board and Staff, the professional of dollars, while others for just tens of cents,
development committee, the track chairs, the probably like the ones that I presented. Geodes are
breakout session presenters, our vendor partners typically formed in sedimentary and volcanic rock
and corporate sponsors, our volunteers, the hotel formations, can vary in size
staff, and everyone else not seated on a cushion, did from a few centimeters
an outstanding job on this year’s annual conference, to several meters, and
the 70th iteration of a platinum status, and know are found in different
that many people appreciated the reminder of the locations around the
tagline of this year’s theme – together in service world – including just
for all. outside of Yuma.

As school business officials, we provide necessary The geode was given for
and vital services that the public needs in support two main reasons. One,
of all students, all staff, all parents, and all the I wanted each recipient to
communities for which we serve. The strength of receive something from
that tagline lies within its emphasis on collaboration. Yuma, or allegedly from
When we pool our resources, skills, and passions, Yuma. Truthfully, I was
we amplify our impact and create a force for just told where they
positive change. As individuals, we might make came from, I didn’t
small impacts, but when united in service, those actually collect
impacts merge to create powerful impressions that them myself. They
can transform lives and communities. As Russell could have been
highlighted, I’m proud that AASBO cultivates that chunks of debris
spirit of togetherness and collaboration. from a construction
project. Even so, that debris could have originated
At our last board meeting, just prior to the launch from Yuma, still allowing me to reach one of my
of the annual conference, I presented each AASBO objectives. Some, like Rick Hall, believed that it
staff and all members of the Board of Directors was an indication of a negative experience on the
with a geode, found just outside of Yuma in Board, like receiving coal for Christmas. I was
the Kofa Wildlife Refuge. Those who aren’t quick to get out ahead of that one.

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14 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2023