Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wright leaving legacy behind

When Prescott Superintendent Ron Wright cleans out his office, he will be leaving more than an empty room.

Wright will be leaving a legacy of solid accomplishments behind, and some big shoes to fill.

In his four years at the helm of the Prescott School District Wright has managed to accomplish a phenomenal amount.

During his tenure a millage was passed and used to renovate the buildings for all three schools, including having roof work done on almost every building the district owns.

With funds from the millage a new gymnasium was constructed. In its inaugural year, the Prescott Sports Complex, dubbed "Little Bud", hosted the 7AAA District Basketball Tournament, followed by the AAA Regional Basketball Tournament.

Nothing but compliments were heard about the facility, which also houses the field house for the Curley Wolf football team, along with a weight room, during the tournaments.

However, one of the things Wright is most proud of came early on in his time at Prescott  providing common automation to the three school libraries. Now students can see what books and materials are available by checking a computer database instead of flipping through the old card catalog.

Under his leadership a sixth grade science camp was established. "It was a lot of work, and is excellent for the students," he said.

Cummins Field also got a facelift with Wright leading the way. The wooden bleachers were replaced with metal, and a new press box was built, giving more room for media and other game officials.

Test scores also started turning around under Wright's leadership. He said the next superintendent will inherit this and can go forward to continue improving these scores.

Working to provide the best education possible for the students was one of Wright's primary goals. To help facilitate this, the EAST computer lab was added to the Prescott High School curriculum. This course has been used extensively by students, who worked on projects to help design the logo at center court in "Little Bud", along with projects for the city and Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.

One move Wright made was controversial, but turned out to be all right  the changing of the name of Prescott Middle School to McRae Middle School. Early on there were detractors for this move, but most have come to agree it was a move that should have been made long ago.

The gym at MMS also underwent a complete make over, inside and out. The inside saw the floors re-sanded and polished, while walls were moved around to provide more room. A lobby was added with improved restroom facilities and a counter for snacks.

Outside, the building has recently been resided, and will soon be repainted so the entire structure matches. Wright said bids have been let and contracts signed for the painting portion of MMS.

He's currently working to have a summer school. Last year, Workplace in Action funded summer school for the district, but won't be doing it this year. "We're looking to do it with district money,' he said."We had some put in the budget for building and instruction we can use. It'll be done on a shoestring."

One project that hasn't reached fruition yet is the girl's softball field. This project has been in the works for two years, but had hit snag after snag. At this time, Wright said, the city has leveled the field by adding dirt. The district is looking to put down topsoil and grass, so the field will be ready by next season.

Students in the Future Farmer's of America class will put up the fence as a class project next year.

Wright, though, refuses to take credit for most of the work. Instead, he lauds the people of Prescott for passing the millage, which allowed the work to be done.

He said the city and county have worked closely with the district, or not nearly as much could have been done. "The city and county have been partners with us."

Other accomplishments include getting a fence put up around the Prescott Elementary School playground, and work on the track, along with making all areas handicap accessible.

"We worked to rebuild the bridge with the community," he said. "I've always had an open door policy."

Wright worked with the Friends of the Library, the Chamber and was involved with the first Leadership Nevada County program.