Last modified: Sunday, March 18, 2007 1:06 AM PDT Jennifer Colton | Argus Observer Thursday, Evelyn Dame holds a plaque — about making a difference in a child’s life — given to her by Alameda Elementary in January. After 13 years, Dame has chosen not to run for her seat on the Ontario School Board. Goodbye to all that By Jennifer Colton - Argus Observer Ontario - After 13 years on the Ontario School Board, Evelyn Dame is stepping down. “My kids are out of the system now,” she said. “I really feel like it’s time for others to get involved.” Dame first became involved with the board as a “natural progression” when her children attended Ontario schools, she said. “I had five children and they were in the schools, and I was involved in the PTO and then I was asked to serve on the budget board. It was just a natural progression,” she said. “I’m a huge believer in education. I believe it is the great equalizer. To me, it’s all about the kids — both my own and all the kids in the community.” Of all the changes she has seen during her tenure — including five superintendents and numerous board members — Dame said the greatest one is in technology. “If you visit our classrooms, it’s not just computers, but smart boards and interactive technology programs that the teachers use,” she said. Dame, who also served as the board chair for three years, said she had many memories and experiences during the past 13 years. “One day, the board went down to the bus stop and got on the bus and rode it to school to be a student for a day,” she said. “We could talk to the bus drivers, see them interact with the kids. Then the schools had different activities for us to do, and at the end of the day we rode the bus home. That’s the part you really enjoy, when you see how it takes everyone working together.” The Secondary Reading Initiative, the dual language academy at Aiken Elementary and bringing the Reading First program into all district elementary schools also ranked high on Dame’s list of positive accomplishments. “We originally had a grant to start Reading First at two elementary schools,” she said. “Because of the way we did our budget, and being fiscally responsible, we’ve been able to expand that to the other three schools.” At the high school, Dame noted the collaborative-credit program, where students take classes through Treasure Valley Community College, Boise State University and Blue Mountain Community College, and the success of the Future Farmers of America and leadership programs as highlights of the last 13 years. “My biggest disappointments are the three failed facility bonds,” she said. “I just feel like we can do better for the children of Ontario.” Of the seven district schools, the newest — Alameda Elementary — was constructed in 1964, Dame said. “I know through the years people have said the economy is too bad to pass a bond,” she said. “But I look at the communities around here, and they have the same economy and they’ve done it. We can do better. It’s time.” Heavy traffic, both from students and community members, as well as expanding student populations and technology needs have stretched many of the schools too tight, Dame said. “The amount of traffic our buildings get is probably more than at the hospital,” she said. “The hospital has had two renovations in the time that 21/2 generations have gone through the high school. You can only put so many wires in our old buildings.” The district is trying to work through the bond concerns by holding ten collaborative meetings with community stake holders, something Dame said she is looking forward to. “I think this will be exciting to see what their (community) ideas are,” she said. “That’s the big push right now, the facilities cooperative endeavor. We’re wanting to listen, tell us what you’re going to support, come to a cooperative solution.” Dame’s term with the board will expire in June, right after she passes the 20th anniversary of her family’s move to Ontario, and Dame will continue to be involved with the schools as a lunch buddy, reading volunteer and committee member. She said she is also enjoying being a grandmother and will have more opportunities to visit grandchildren out of the area. “The opportunity to serve with the staff and to experience the kids, that played an important part to make me want to stay on the board those 13 years,” she said. “I have a saying, ‘where much is given, much is expected,’ that’s always been my mantra. I feel blessed, and I feel it’s important to give part of that back. I think that’s what keeps you on the board. One individual can make a difference.” The next occupant of Dame’s seat on the Ontario School District Board will be decided in an election May 15. That individual will take office July 1.