Time is a crucial factor for the Jefferson City Public Schools, both at the institutional and interpersonal levels.
Consider these two statements by Larry Linthacum, who recently marked his first 90 days as district superintendent.
Referring to voters' attitudes toward a facilities plan to address overcrowding, he said, "trust takes time." And with regard to learning, he observed, "student achievement goes up 27 percent when teachers greet students at the door."
The district is trying to rebuild trust with district voters, who have raised concerns about a lack of student discipline, demoralized teachers and disengaged administrators.
The rebuilding process is responsibility shared by teachers, administrators and Board of Education members.
Linthacum welcomed the challenge when, as one of his early actions, he created an ambitious timetable to develop recommendations to address the district's space needs.
Overcrowding is a priority for the local public schools. After a 2013 bond issue for facilities was rejected by voters, the school board created a facilities task force, delayed its recommendations and replaced key administrators, including the superintendent.
Although Linthacum's timetable is expeditious, time is not on his side. Building costs invariably will climb, and interest rates are likely to rise.
His agenda includes meeting with educators at each building, conferring with members of the facilities task force and hosting town hall meetings for district patrons before presenting his recommendation to the board in late January.
"It's going to take time," Linthacum said. "If there's any doubt in the school system, (people) are going to vote no."
How can educators expedite removing doubt and building trust?
The superintendent provided an answer to that question in referencing the rise in student achievement when teachers take time to greet them.
Psychologists generally agree children's four primary emotional needs are time, attention, affection and direction.
When teachers greet students at the door, they demonstrate - in actions as well as words - that students not only are welcome, they are the focal point of education.
Making time for students, parents and patrons are actions that must be modeled throughout the district, up to and including the Board of Education. Board members have been, and continue to be, criticized for not being responsive to patrons and insulating themselves in an "Ivory Tower."
At a recent school board meeting, president John Ruth said: "It's not typically the role of the board to go through the schools."
These are not, however, typical times or circumstances for the Jefferson City School District.
Rebuilding trust not only will take time, it will take listening, responding and interacting.
Board members must join administrators and teachers in giving students, parents and patrons the time and attention they deserve.