Kent Richards was hopeful as he headed to his final job interview in Lake Haven. He was ready for a move to a new school district and thought the position in Havenwood schools would be the next step up in his career. His first two interviews had been very successful and he had a hunch that by the end of the day, he would have a job offer in hand.
Several hours later, Kent left the administration building feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. The interview with the superintendent and other school board members had gone well. He could tell these men were looking forward to calling him their colleague.
As they left the building, Superintendent Dixon said, "Kent, I am pleased to tell you that we are prepared to offer you a position here at Havenwood. We hope you are interested in joining our team."
Kent was thrilled. "Of course, Mr. Dixon, it would be my honor. I am looking forward to bringing my family here to Lake Haven.". They walked toward the central offices. "That is great news, Kent", the superintendent replied. "Let's go inside and get the necessary forms and paperwork started to begin your admissions process." Kent had already filled out numerous forms during the interview and wondered what more could be needed and what the "admissions process" entailed. "Is this something we can get completed this afternoon?" Kent inquired. "I'd like to get everything finalized today and begin making plans for the move."
"Of course, Kent," Mr. Dixon replied. "If you are ready and willing to complete all necessary submissions today, there is no reason to delay".
The other gentlemen seemed amused and Kent wondered the reason for their juvenile snickering. "Excuse me guys, but what is so funny about completing my job application requirements?" he asked.
"Well, Kent, I bet you may not enjoy the remainder of the application process - but if you want to come to Havenwood, I guess you will have to...grin and bear it", said Tom Stanely, Havenwood's science teacher and baseball coach.
Craig Baker, the math teacher, seemed very amused at this. "Yes, Kent, I'm sure if you...drop everything...you can complete your application today."
Both men chuckled. "I still don't get what is so funny", Kent replied. Superintendent Dixon interjected. "Kent, Havenwood has an extensive admissions process that must be completed prior to employment. Tom and Craig have both completed this process and are now just having a little fun at your expense. Let's go inside now and get your paperwork.".
They entered the building and approached a smiling woman in the "Personnel" department. "I'd like to introduce you to Kent Richards", the superintendent said. "He will be joining the Havenwood team this year. We need to get his admissions paperwork."
"Of course", the clerk replied. "The complete admissions procedure?" she asked.
"Yes, please", replied Superintendent Dixon. Kent was handed a file folder and told to report to the Lake Haven Professional Building. "See you later, Kent", Mr. Dixon said. "I am looking forward to working with you and think Havenwood is a great step in your career path. Remember that this afternoon, and take care of these requirements so that you and your family can begin your new life here. In the grand scheme of things, this afternoon is just a few hours of your time, and it would be a shame at this point if you were not to complete the process," the superintendent continued. "Between us, I heard from a colleague this morning that your school district is facing a wide cut before the next school year, and your position will be one of many eliminated there. I am glad that you will be able to avoid all that should you complete the process to join us at Havenwood."
Kent was shocked...he thought he would be leaving his old position to come here. It was unnerving to know he would no longer have his position at home. All the more reason to seal the deal here in Lake Haven! As the superintendent pulled away, Kent reviewed the forms in the folder. Credit check, background check. A physical examination as well. That was why the clerk had mentioned the professional building. Kent noticed his appointment was in 30 minutes, so he headed to the office building downtown.
He walked in to a quiet waiting room. A middle aged woman emerged and smiled. "Can I help you?". She asked. "Yes, I have an appointment for a pre-employment exam at Havenwood." he replied. "Kent Richards!" the woman announced. "Carol at the office said you would be over. How exciting to have you and your family coming here to Lake Haven!" she exclaimed. "Let me introduce myself. I am Superintendent Dixon's wife. It will be such fun getting to know all of you and having you become a part of our community. I am sure we will see you in a few weeks at our fall party. We also have a holiday gathering, and all the staff gets together for New Year's and for a 4th of July party at our cottage. We will be seeing a lot of each other!" she winked. "Please fill out this paperwork. We will go over things...in detail...in just a while."
Kent thought she seemed very excited for some reason. He completed the paperwork and waited. It seemed as though the examination was very thorough. "I guess they don't leave any stones unturned here in Lake Haven", he thought. This was not going to be fun, but he needed to finish it and finalize things for his new job. Besides, it had been a while since he'd had a physical and it wouldn't hurt to get things checked out. From the looks of the paperwork, literally everything was going to get checked out. "Oh well", he thought. He was sure the doctor is one of those old time small town guys that made everyone feel more comfortable.
Mrs. Dixon came back into the office and gathered the paperwork. "All ready to get started?" she asked. "Yes", Kent replied. "But where is the doctor?" Mrs. Dixon smiled faintly. "Oh, he is out every Thursday and Friday," she replied. "I'm a volunteer nurse's aid and attend to all the routine appointments, like employee physicals, when he is away. I'll be taking care of your examination today."
She looked directly at Kent as realization washed across his face. "Well, I really don't want to trouble you on a Friday afternoon. I can just come back on Monday.".