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Sheldon R-8's new superintendent: driven to succeed
Nevada Daily Mail
"What I really love about sports is the competition," said an animated Jason Irwin, new superintendent of Sheldon R-8 school district.
In a Tuesday interview in his office, Irwin said with a firmness in look and voice, "I like challenges, I love competition, but I hate to lose. And as superintendent, I am determined to raise the bar for this district!"
July 1, was Irwin's first day on the job, succeeding Tim Judd who has taken over the leadership of schools in Wheatland, Mo.
While he was born in Nevada, Irwin grew up in Hume and graduated from high school there.
"For a number of years, Hume's principal and coach was Larry Barry," recalled Irwin. "I remember looking at him and thinking he had my dream job. So I've known what I wanted to do for a long time."
Irwin graduated from Pittsburg State University having majored in physical education with an emphasis in coaching. Later, he earned his Master's and Specialist in Education degrees through William Woods University in Fulton.
"This is my 15th year in education," said Irwin. "About four or five years down the road I may be ready to pursue a Ph.D. By then I'll be ready for more school and I'll know what I need and want to learn."
The new superintendent began his career teaching physical education and health at Sheldon for four years. He then took on the challenge of serving as a teacher of physical education at Heartland Behavioral Health Services in Nevada.
"While my three years at Heartland were a challenge and a time of learning, they were also very rewarding," Irwin said.
The superintendent reminisced, "About 95 percent of them just wanted someone to care about them. Show them some love and like nearly every student at Sheldon, they'll respond in effort and behavior. Heartland showed me what truly bad kids are like versus immature students just making dumb decisions."
Irwin shook his head and sighed. "We've had multiple incidents of good kids placing their phones in a back pocket. When they sat down they'd accidentally set them off. But our handbook said any form of cell phone use in school means automatic in school suspension," said an exasperated Irwin.
"I know some might think me soft but I can recognize bad kids and those who like to push buttons and test boundaries and good kids who make a dumb decision or have an accident," said Irwin. "And our rules have to give us the ability to respond as needed. I'm thankful the board just approved a change in that policy."
Irwin repeated how grateful he was to his predecessor for leaving the district in good shape financially.
The new superintendent quickly added, "I don't want to come in here with guns blazing, meaning we spend all sorts of money we don't have or change things without consulting and involving others. I never liked working for a dictator and I sure don't want to be one."
Asked to reflect on the most challenging part of his years as principal, Irwin instantly answered. "I've had some training in dispute resolution and managing groups but I was not prepared for the messes one can encounter with various personal situations."
"A short term crisis is one thing but a longer term serious issue is wearing and demands more of me as I have to balance the needs of the school with those of the individual," related Irwin. "Those were the things that kept me awake at night."
When Irwin first came to the district as a teacher, the district was only provisionally accredited.
"That is one nightmare I never want to see happen here again," related Irwin. "Since September of 2011, this district has been and will remain accredited with distinction."
When asked about needs as well as a wish list, Irwin cited but two needs: repair of the leaky roof and a complete resurfacing the gym floor.
"Our building is far from brand new but once we get the roof repaired, the rest of it is in pretty good shape," said Irwin.
"But what I'd like to work on is making the front of our school look more up to date and inviting," continued Irwin. "I want people who drive by to say, 'That's a nice looking, attractive school. I think I'll check it out for my kids.'"
Earlier that morning, at the July meeting of the Sheldon R-8 school board, Jarod Lamb, board president, had stated, "Think about it, who's the biggest employer in Sheldon? We are. We are the economic engine of this community as well as a big part of the social glue that gives this town its identity."
"What Mr. Lamb said is right, this place matters," said Irwin. "And my goal as superintendent is to raise the bar of this school so that those in this town and across our whole district are proud of this school."