Don Ross had meant to keep his retirement from the Independence School District low key.
Having been with Independence for more than 40 years, he decided to leave his position with the Independence School District Foundation two years ago. The reason was simple – technology.
“I just felt like it was time for someone younger and more able to deal with all of this technology to come in and run things,” he said. “Businesses and non-profits have not been immune to this different way of doing things and are now on the fast track. Being on the fast track does not have any appeal to me, so I thought it was time to get someone in here with a fresh perspective.”
That fresh perspective will come from Lori Worth Smith, who will become the new coordinator of development for the foundation Aug. 17, taking the reins from Ross, who has led the foundation since 1994.
“I had been with elementary school kids both here and in the Kansas City School District (where he worked prior to coming to Independence),” he said. “I didn’t think I could do what they were asking, but I was told it would only be for a couple of years. Now, we are almost 15 years into it.”
Ross came to the Independence district in 1969, serving as principal at both Randall and Glendale elementary schools before starting his tenure with the foundation. He was also a teacher and principal in the Kansas City School District for 11 years.
Ross was Worth Smith’s principal at Randall.
“He left some big shoes for me to fill,” she said on replacing her former principal. “But I am going to spend a few weeks with him, learning the ropes so he can continue teaching me.”
Ross said because he has been in Independence for so long, it is not unusual for him to run into former students.
“An interesting story, when I left Glendale, the principal who took over for me had been a student of mine when I taught at Pitcher Elementary (in Kansas City),” he said. “It is almost like I am training the next generation of teachers.”
Ross, who would like to find a job as a guide in a history museum after retirement, said he believes Worth Smith is an excellent choice to lead the foundation and is excited to see where she will take it in the future.
“She has a great background, skills and the enthusiasm to do this,” he said. “I believe she will do a fine job here, and I am eager to see what kinds of changes and improvements she will make.”
Under Ross’s leadership, the foundation has grown to $1.8 million in funding with more than 140 separate funds that serve various student needs. In addition to the scholarships that are provided to students at all three Independence high schools, the foundation offers programs in the areas of student clothing, health care and school supply programs.
Of all the memories, however, Ross has made since coming to Independence, his favorite is very simple: working with the children.
“It sounds trite, but I think if teachers or principals have lost an interest in the kids, then they are in the wrong business,” he said. “I would definitely have to say that being with those kids has been the best part of my job.”
