More than 700 Poplar Bluff R-I certified and classified employees attended the district’s back-to-school convocation on Monday, Aug. 29, at the Black River Coliseum.

In his first state-of-the-schools address, Superintendent Scott Dill, who comes by way of Houston, Mo., called the community’s investment in its infrastructure and school facilities “astounding” and “unheard of.”

Besides the great strides the district is making, part of Dill’s decision in accepting the position to succeed Chris Hon in July, he noted, was to provide more opportunities for his own daughters, Caroline and Maura, who are enrolled at the new High School and Middle School.

“To me this [job] is personal. Y’all have my kids in the system too,” said Dill, “and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He received an ovation when he stated he does not plan to lead “from behind a desk,” he will be highly visible in buildings and classrooms. “I’m in this business for kids,” said Dill, later adding: “If we fail, society picks up the debt.”

To kick off the annual event, the presentation of colors was performed by the JROTC; teachers Tom and Brenda Allen and their son Joshua sang the national anthem; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Charlie Raglin and Alyssa Cochran of Lake Road Elementary; and the pastoral community—who Pastor Greg Gilberto of Northpoint Nazarene Church referred to as the “God squad”—delivered a prayer. Vendors gave out door prizes, and the Board of Education was represented as well.

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Cutline: Third graders Charlie Raglin (left) and Alyssa Cochran (right) lead the Pledge of Allegiance with Lake Road Principal Erica Weadon at the podium.