Investing in Dickinson’s Future

In the late 1800s, as the winds swept across the untamed plains of North Dakota, a small community of determined pioneers carved out a life in the midst of challenges. They faced harsh weather, isolation and the constant struggle for survival. But amid the adversity, they recognized the importance of education as the beacon that would guide them to a better future.

In the remote settlement of Pleasant Valley Siding, nestled between a wide valley on the Heart River about halfway between the Missouri River and the Montana Territory border, a group of families banded together to create a one-room schoolhouse. It wasn’t much – just a modest building crafted from local timber and sweat equity.

At first, they lacked the resources to hire a teacher, so they took turns instructing the children. Parents with various backgrounds and skills came together to share their knowledge, each contributing what they could to ensure that the children received an education. It wasn’t perfect or conventional, but it was a testament to their commitment to learning.

The school became a hub of not only education, but also community bonding. It was a place where parents exchanged ideas, where friendships were forged and where dreams of a brighter future were kindled.

What happened to Pleasant Valley Siding? It grew and became Dickinson.

The story of this pioneer community reminds us that education is more than just facts and figures in school books – it’s a testament to the strength of a community’s spirit and belief in their own impact on the future of their city. Their determination to create a space for learning, even in the face of adversity, underscores the transformative power of education and the importance of a community’s support in nurturing the minds of its youth.

Today, as we consider the importance of education in our own community, let’s remember the pioneers who braved the challenges of the frontier to light the lamp of learning for future generations.

Compare that lamp light with what we have today.

As one steps through Dickinson High Schools’ weathered doors, they’re immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of motion and sound. The hallways, once designed to accommodate a modest student population, now resemble bustling urban streets during rush hour. Lockers are adorned with backpacks like Tetris pieces, squeezed tightly side-by-side, leaving almost no space for a breeze to pass through. Students navigate through this labyrinth with practiced finesse, executing a complex dance of swerves and dodges to avoid collisions.

Classrooms, those sanctuaries of learning, seem to strain under the weight of their occupants. Desks are nestled so closely that one can hardly differentiate where one student ends and another begins. The walls, once adorned with a few educational posters, now showcase an explosion of colorful artwork, each piece fighting for its share of limited visual real estate. The teacher at the front of the room stands as a valiant conductor, orchestrating the ebb and flow of the lesson amidst the constant hum of activity.

Amidst the chaos, it’s clear that this high school has become a microcosm of our town’s vivacity. It’s a scene that, though bursting at the seams, reflects the resilience and determination of our students and educators as they navigate this sea of shared aspirations.

Remember back in 2019 when a $115 million school bond proposal stirred heated debates and divided opinions? The rejection of that proposal was a clear message from our community – we demand a plan that’s fiscally responsible and aligned with our values. Dickinson Public Schools listened, regrouped and now presents us with a well-thought-out, scaled-down bond proposal of $69 million.

This new bond proposal strikes a balance between fiscal prudence and the quality of education we want to provide to our children. As Dickinsonians, we understand the value of efficient resource allocation, but we also recognize that quality education is an investment that pays dividends in the long run. Well-educated students today become productive members of society tomorrow, contributing to our local economy and workforce.

It has been a long time coming and now is the time to turn the page on the past and embrace this opportunity to create a better tomorrow. So, as you weigh your decision, think not only about the dollars and cents, but also about the future generations. Let’s invest in their potential, and in turn, invest in the potential growth and prosperity of our community.

The Dickinson Press supports this bond and we hope you do too!

James B. Miller, Jr. is the Editor of The Dickinson Press in Dickinson, North Dakota. He strives to bring community-driven, professional and hyper-local focused news coverage of southwest North Dakota.