Randy Dorn engages Anacortes teachers

Dorn, who's done motivational speaking for many years, pulled out some startling statistics, saying only 18 out of 100 Washington state students get either an associate or college degree. He said 71 percent of students graduation high school and 42 percent enter college. He said one major factor for quitting college is lack of money.

His PowerPoint presentation included statistics that indicate there is a greatly increasing need for skilled workers in this county, as high as 85 percent.

Dorn got cheers from the audience when he said "All school activities are part of the educational experience...not just academics."

The speech was dotted with music and exercises to get teachers and staff out of their seats, clapping and dancing.

He criticized the state government for not providing enough money for education in Washington. He called on school employees to get engaged, quoting a statement he attributed to Plato. "Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being government by those who are dumber."

Before Dorn spoke, Anacortes School Superintendent Chris Borgen repeated the news that all teachers that were laid off at the end of last school year now have jobs, except one. Some teachers that were laid off are returning to Anacortes schools, others have jobs in other school districts.

He said the district has been "a little cautious" when it comes to re-hiring teachers because of the big unknown: how many students will enter classes when school starts next week. He said there are good signs that the district will get as many students as had been budgeted for. He said "A lot of new students are coming in."