Mr. Bruning saw the potential in everyone. It never mattered to him what your background was, or your education or your experience were, he saw clay to be molded and he had the soft, experienced hands to do the shaping. Ren could see a bigger, more complete picture, further out than yours and mine often is. I hope we can all learn to “zoom out” and see it, too.

This year, he had led us through so much – teacher’s personal trials, illnesses, the news media, accounting audits, safety inspections, and our charter extension. We weathered many storms this year and those storms have become the glue that binds this family together.

Ren was our boss, our mentor, our dad, and our friend. We will miss him greatly. Ren, thank you for your leadership, wisdom, and friendship. Our greatest tribute to you will be that we love each other the way you loved all of us. Putting others above ourselves, always giving, never taking, and treating everyone the way we want to be treated.

Seasons change, days go by,
People come and people go.
Though our paths may lead us apart,
They will meet one day, I know.
And I owe you,
So much, dear friend,
For all those treasured times.
For you’ve made me a richer man,
Having had you in my life.

‘Dear Friend’
by Eddie DeGarmo & Dana Key