Superintendent Debbie Thompson at the Rolland-Warner Middle School ribbon-cutting

(The complete text of the remarks of Superintendent Debbie Thompson at the Rolland-Warner Middle School ribbon-cutting and open house, Thursday, August 27, 2009.)

"May 8, 2007 was an important day for the Lapeer community and Lapeer Community Schools in particular. On that day the community passed a bond supporting renovations to our schools, the infusion of much needed technology into our classrooms, the replacement of some of our most outdated furniture, and most importantly, the creation of two middle schools by renovating two of our existing buildings.

It was a long time coming but the passage of the bond spoke of the community’s recognition that education is essential for our future, and providing quality learning environments for our students helps our students become independent and confident learners for the future.

Today we are celebrating part one of the middle school dream, the completion of the first middle school. The name chosen for this building is especially fitting as it recognizes the work of two long time Lapeer educators who set the path for us as we embark on this new era of education in Lapeer.

Doris Rolland was a teacher and principal at the Woodside School at Oakdale, the original school on this site. She also was director of special education for the Oakdale facility. At the time our last new building opened she was serving on the Board of Education.

Ron Warner retired from Lapeer Community Schools as the assistant superintendent. He began his long career with the district as a teacher and then served in numerous administrative positions. Ron was instrumental in the annexation and consolidation of the former one-room school houses into the district that we know today.

Both of these individuals devoted their lives to the children of Lapeer. They were committed to providing excellent educational opportunities to all students because they believed that all students could learn.

It is our responsibility to carry forth, not only with beautiful school buildings, but with a quality educational program that serves as a spring board for future academic success. Our commitment to the community is that we will challenge ourselves and our students to reach for the top, to excel in the classroom, and go forth prepared for the challenges of a future that may not be imagined this afternoon.

To start our program I would like to ask Christopher Keller to come forward and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Chris is an incoming 7th grader. After the pledge members of the East and West bands will play the Star Spangled Banner.

Before I begin recognizing the various dignitaries who are here today I would like to recognize the custodial staff of Lapeer Community Schools. They have worked tirelessly to get this building ready for this evening. They always want our buildings to look spectacular and tonight is no exception."