State rep takes to the classroom as Evergreen ‘Principal for the Day’
From our weekly issue dated January 27, 2010
Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) discussed the route an idea takes to becoming a law with students in Carlos Gutierrez’ fifth-grade class at Evergreen Elementary School (Photo by Michelle Binker, IVN )
Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) stepped out of his usual role on Friday, Jan. 22, and into one as Evergreen Elementary School titular principal.
Maurer’s appearance at the Cave Junction school was part of a statewide Principal for the Day program.
Although Maurer served on the Grants Pass School District 7 Board of Education from 2001 to 2004 and has four of his own children in school, he said that the visit provided him with a valuable perspective.
“It’s a great opportunity to be in school,” Maurer said.
Maurer arrived at Evergreen at 7 a.m. and spent the day talking to students in the fourth and fifth grades. He also visited with many teachers, and with Principal Dave Valenzuela, who elected not to take the day off.
“There are several aspects of incredible value in having Ron here,” Valenzuela said. “It’s been a really valuable learning experience for me.”
In his role as a legislator and on the House Education Committee, Maurer frequently deals with issues surrounding public education policy. But he said that being in the school enabled him to establish a rapport with officials and open lines of communication. Maurer said that is crucial toward understanding how legislation affects people at the local level.
“You can only get to that point if you know the people,” he said.
Valenzuela said that Maurer’s trip enabled teachers to demonstrate what government does and how bills become laws.
“It was a great use of our time,” Valenzuela said.
Maurer is scheduled to serve as principal of Parkside Elementary School in Grants Pass on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
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