Sometimes in life you find yourself at the right place and right time to talk up a project you’ve been working on for years with someone of importance. That night came for me on February 4th at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion in Carson City. In an extended conversation I was able to share with the Governor my work with one of the most innovative schools in the country. He had never heard of Pioneer High School in Carson City and wanted to know more. I was more than happy to explain the profound improvements made at the school over the last decade and a half by Principal Jason Zona and his hard working staff and share with him the impact their innovative approach has had on student absenteeism, student retention, student satisfaction, and drop-out and graduation rates. I can say with confidence that Pioneer High School is now in the Governor’s field of vision and he is proud that, in a state where a lot of support is not given to public education, an alternative school like Pioneer is thriving. A drink or two with Mark Twain merely added icing on the cake to a dare say, magical evening.
Mike
