Almquist Honored For Years of Service at Monday's School Board Meeting

Outgoing School Board member was honored Monday after more than three decades of service to the Greenfield School District and City of Greenfield.

Almquist received to plaques in recognition of his service in addition to a standing ovation at the School Board meeting. He served on the School Board for 30 years before finishing last of four candidates April 5.

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“I have no regrets about not being elected,” Almquist said. “The people saw fit to that, but I don’t want to see any of the board members fight and argue among themselves.

“It’s the kids that count. It’s not the school board, it’s not the administration, it’s not the teachers. It’s the children; remember that. Our children are very precious. Let’s keep them going.”

Almquist was first elected to the school board in 1976. He left after six years to make a run at the mayor’s office (he lost by 62 votes out of more than 11,000) and returned to the board for a run through 2000. He took a five-year hiatus, part of that time while serving as a city alderperson for 13 years before returning in 2005.

“(During) the time I was off they had a couple referendums to build a new high school,” Almquist said. “I thought, yes, we ought to have a new high school, otherwise we’d have to close the high school that we had. Greenfield would be without a high school. That was forbidden. No way was that going to happen.”

Almquist was instrumental in helping get a referendum for the new high school, performing arts center and pool passed by voters, and the facilities opened in September 2009 (the pool opened in January 2010).

“Now since we have everything new, it better be here 50 years from now or I’m coming back down,” Almquist said.

At Monday’s meeting, Bailey described Almquist as a man who’s dedicated his life to making Greenfield a better place to live. Those sentiments echoed comments Bailey made the day after the election.

“His years of dedication and service to the community of Greenfield has been exemplary,” Bailey said earlier this month. “He’s got the bigger picture in mind. He’s been an icon.”