By Kari Opheim and Mark Thole
A lot of things are going on this year. It’s an end of an era and a new beginning all at once. We decided to interview Randy to see his point of view on what will come for the future years of Mini-School.
Q: What was your goal when you guys started Mini-Schoo!?
A: The main intent was to provide an alternative program that focused mainly on kids who aren’t successful in mainstream and help make them be successful.
Q: Do you feel like you guys accomplished it?
A: “It’s great to see people succeed not with money but as people. They’ve been successful with their goals, but there’s still so much that can be done. Are we successful with every student? No, but they’ve made it so a lot of students could get through school.”
Q: Are you worried of what may come?
A: A lot of things are going to change. The whole format or curriculum is going to change. The graduation standards are going to be the biggest setback and because of it the trips are going to be less. They can be done, but the ways of doing things will probably change/alter. “It’ll be different, but they’ll try to manage.”
Q: What are your thoughts of Doug leaving since you and he were pretty much the founders of the Mini-School program?
A: “It’s hard! It’s too overwhelming/powerful that you can’t express it in words. It’s been a very psychological year for him. He’s the best spokesperson for the program, which means the enthusiasm will be gone along with history. He’s going to be a tough person to replace.”
Q: Over the years what aspect of Mini-School are you the most proud of?
A: “Trips, helping kids, just being there!” “We’ve been able to provide a meaningful education for kids that need an alternative. The things Mini does isn’t good for just Mini, but also would be good for mainstream.”
Q: Have you ever been so upset with Doug that you didn’t even want to talk to him?
A: “Nope- he’s not an impulsive person so the things he does or say are always thought out and rationalized, and you have to know that things he does have good meanings behind them. We see each other as equals, we just have personality differences. If it’s good for the kids, then it’s good for the program.”