Best of Siloam Springs

these topics and decide if they are worth discussing. "ings like critical race theory, that's not taught in Arkansas," he said. "at's not a part of Arkansas' high schools. It's a waste of breath and uneducated to say that we have that when we don't." Ramey added that history is an important thing in education. "We need to know where we came from so we know where we're going," he said. Ramey praised former Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the work he did with public education, but said that the verdict is still out on current Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. "Everybody went to school, but it doesn't mean you know what you're talking about," he said. Ramey also noted his suggestions for improving state education. "If we want to improve the state, universal pre-K may be the best, quickest, strongest way to improve education as well as continue the Arkansas reading and science initiative, which has always been a solid project." Labor of Love Ramey said that at the end of the day, public education is important and the kids are what made the job worth it. "I was always motivated by watching young people develop. When I was having a particularly stressful day in the school business, I would always go to Allen Elementary or Northside Elementary and watch the kids learn to read or learn to work together," said Ramey. "It was a labor of love for me," he continued. "I always enjoyed working with young people. ey are our future and they are only young once. I feel like they are where the focus needs to be when it comes to what we can do." Aer Ramey stepped down, he has taken as much time as possible to enjoy the beauty of Siloam Springs. "I do a lot of walking," joked Ramey. Ramey says that he's also been trying to li up those in the community during his time away from the job. "I want to salute and endorse those that are making a difference in Siloam Springs," he said. "We have a lot of volunteer organizations that are run by wonderful people." He continued, "Siloam is very vibrant and offers a quality of life and has a good, stable community, a good city board, an excellent hospital. ere's just so many positive things in Siloam, I think it will continue to grow. Hopefully, Siloam will continue to be the beautiful volunteer city that it is. "It was a great honor to serve this community for all these years," he added. "It was a wonderful opportunity for me to make a positive impact on the students and families, and this community." Reprinted from a previous edition of the Siloam Springs Herald-Leader Spencer Bailey/Herald-Leader Former Siloam Springs superintendent Ken Ramey, the recipient of this year's Pioneer Citizen award, poses with Mary Nolan, the previous year's winner, during the 93rd Annual Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Feb. 2, 2023. Siloam Springs Herald-Leader Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Best of Siloam Springs • 23 Thank you for your continued support! • Nail Salon • Hair Salon Visit Us! 111 West Ashley St Book an Appointment: 479-524-8422 We're looking for The One Join our hairstylist team. www.salonsynergynwa.com/hiring Making clients feel and look wonderful after their visit. Best in: Best in: • Massage

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