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www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, February 5, 2020
LET'S TALK CLOVIS:
Legendary CUSD Superintendent Dr. Floyd Buchanan task. “Doc-ism”: “Value people above programs.” Doc interviewed every new teacher PEG BOS and staff member. He was very perceptive Historian/Clovis Museum and hired those who were intelligent and Sponsor had a passion for excellence. Doc believed everyone was accountable for their proWe call him Doc. Dr. Floyd B. Buchanan fessional performance. He was quick to (1924-2015) became the first Superintenremove barriers, establish factual goals, and dent of Clovis Unified School District in give his employees professional freedom. 1960. With the guidance of this renowned He stated: “Make sure there aren’t too many educator the district became nationally people in charge, give teachers the best marecognized for their educational excellence. terials and then stand back and cheer them It is recognized that as the Clovis Unified on.” School District goes so goes the town of “Doc-ism”: “Competition is a good moClovis. tivator.” Doc believes everyone wants to be Two basic standards guided his decia winner and competition builds strength sions: “Is it good for the kids?” “Every kid and endurance. Six months into his new deserves a good education.” He is a brilliant position, disgruntled “Clovis Boosters” visionary with a tenacious focus on goals. met with him with major concerns. He conHe believes that all students deserve an vinced them that change was good. At the close of the meeting he was invited to join education that will prepare them for future the club. opportunities in life. Some of the early changes: Coaches “Doc-ism”: “We’re too poor to buy would serve as referees at games and were cheap.” He was quick to assure our runot above bias. Doc opened a concession ral-conservative population that it was stand and proceeds were used to hire CIF best to buy an expensive “Cadillac” over referees. The girl’s basketball teams were a cheaper model since it would last twice as long. The taxpayers were converted and challenged to play full court as their male historically have supported school bonds counterparts did. for new schools and upgrading of older He got a “bargain” on the first tackle schools. Inner city schools in Clovis have football uniforms that were all white. He not been neglected. It is standard procedure placed different colors of tape on helmets to to maintain quality teachers, resources and identify the teams. There were no funds to equipment at all schools. support the first girls’ volleyball team and “Doc-ism”: “Document the facts, minplayers used balloons. A parent club was imize the variables and 90% of your goals formed to support the teams. will be achieved.” Doc believed that vari“Doc-ism”: “4-3 vote of the Board of ables are excuses for not accomplishing a Trustees is a majority decision.” Doc re-
spected the “loyal opposition”. He honored tradition and values but was a visible, strong, determined leader of educational change. The 1960 unification of seven independent districts created open antagonism. Doc and the dress code were key issues in a 1964 recall that failed. He still admires the dedication and support of four trustees that remained loyal to his vision. He understood that they were lifelong members of this community and would not relocate as he would if the recall Photo Courtesy of Clovis Museum prevailed. Dr. Floyd B. Buchanan. Former Board member Ralph Lynn recorded “Platitudinous Preachments of Doc”: plary Practices, CSU, Fresno and as a con”A school district without accountability sultant at numerous school districts. is like a car without breaks.” “There is nothBehind every great man is a greater ing worse than a fired up untrained gladiawoman. Doc’s wife of 61 years Molly died tor” “Success is not final and failure need in 2006. She was his tower of strength. She not be permanent.” “Win with class, loose taught fourth grade at Viking school for with dignity.” “What do you think would twenty years. Her peers recognized her as, happen if we let the kids in on what we are “Marvelous, marvelous person, level-headdoing?” “Don’t get on your educational ed and unbelievable cool. Nothing fazed horse and ride off without the kids.” “If you her.” Her final letter to Doc: “You are my are being burned at the stake, you may have hero. You are kind, loving and so handcarried too much wood.” some.” After leaving the district in 1991, Doc The legendary Doc is part of our rich served as Distinguished Professor of Exem- heritage.