Bright Futures USA solution- give everybody a prize

The concept does not come as any surprise to those who watched C. J. Huff in action during his years at the helm of the Joplin R-8 School District.

Huff's actions indicated he did not hold the teachers who worked for him in high regard.

While he and CFO Paul Barr devised on budget after another that called for almost no raises for teachers, we were bombarded with e-mails whenever Huff wanted something offering us the incentive of getting to wear bluejeans.

During the last months of Huff's administration, he attempted to deal with growing teacher unrest by devising an Eagle Pride Award each week and giving it to people in different schools and different departments.

It was all public relations.

Either Huff or the person who is nominally in charge of Bright Futures USA appears to be using the same practice to stave off growing unrest in that organization.

Webb City, East Newton, and McDonald County have severed their ties to Bright Futures USA with no negative effects and other districts have discussed the possibility. Especially since Bright Futures USA does almost nothing except sign up the districts, offer them some training, and then say "Attaboy" every once in a while.

And, of course, charge them money to attend the annual conference.

So how do they plan to handle the growing unrest?

Why, give out some awards, of course.

What is described as the "first annual evening of champions," will be held during the annual conference. That's the ticket. Give out some awards and they will keep coming and paying those fees.

The new idea has been posted on the Bright Futures USA website.

A dedicated committee that is comprised of staff and volunteers has been working tirelessly to create an awards system that will allow us to recognize the amazing and innovative work that you, our affiliates, are doing! First and foremost we would like to thank you for committing your collective efforts to the greatest good of helping children everywhere. We notice these efforts on a daily basis and are so excited and happy when we see the successes take place before our eyes! Secondly, we are excited to introduce these awards and provide a brief description of each for you. Our intention is to reward the awesome work you have been and will be doing in the upcoming year. By giving you an idea of what we are looking for, our hope is that you recognize these things as they happen in your community and submit entries to us so that we can properly recognize the individuals and organizations doing this great work on the front lines.
The idea of these people working tirelessly to come up with awards is worth a chuckle or two. The wards include the following:

-Affiliate of the Year
-Bright Futures Spotlight Award
-Community Champion Award
-Evan Yoder Spirit of Service Award
-Partner of the Year

Naturally, there will be finalists for the awards and everyone will get something.

Will someone please tell me again so I won't forget- What possible reason can there be for Bright Futures USA to still exist?
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Copies of my books are available at the following local outlets:

Always Buying Books- Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud, 5:41, Spirit of Hope, No Child Left Alive, Let Teachers Teach, Scars from the Tornado, Devil's Messenger, Small Town News, Newspaper Days, The Turner Report

Changing Hands Book Shoppe- Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud, 5:41, Spirit of Hope, No Child Left Alive, Let Teachers Teach, Scars from the Tornado, Small Town News, Newspaper Days, The Turner Report

The Book Guy- Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud, 5:41

Pat's Books (Carthage)- Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud, 5:41, Spirit of Hope, No Child Left Alive, Let Teachers Teach, Scars from the Tornado, Small Town News, Newspaper Days, The Turner Report

Cato's Connection (Lamar)- Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud, 5:41, Spirit of Hope, Scars from the Tornado