There are many reasons Iola snagged the attention of the new USD 257 superintendent, Jack Koehn. The schools’ curriculum, the college and being closer to his family are a few reasons and his time here so far has been a pleasant one.
“I haven’t met anyone who isn’t friendly,” Koehn, 53, said Tuesday in his new office.
Koehn’s first day in the district was Monday. Before coming to Iola he was the assistant superintendent for USD 419, Canton-Galva Unified, which is near McPherson.
He has dedicated many years of service to education. He grew up in Galva and attended McPherson College. While there he studied history education and played basketball and golf. His first job was in Hoisington where he taught for two years. He returned to Galva when he heard about an opportunity to coach basketball.
With his 29 years at USD 419 he had exposure to various roles. He started out as a basketball coach and social studies teacher at the high school and progressed to technology coordinator, principal for the high school and assistant superintendent of curriculum and technology.
What made Koehn decide to go into teaching?
“If you ask a lot of educators they will say someone made an impact in their life,” Koehn said. “Growing up, I had lots of great teachers and coaches and I want to make a change in someone’s life.”
He is familiar with the curriculum model Iola has in place, having briefly worked for the company.
“I thought that was another good fit for us coming to Iola,” he said.
Koehn also wanted to be closer to his family. His oldest daughter and granddaughter live in Overland Park. He and his wife, Kathy, have three children, Kylee, 29, Allison, 26 and Taylor, 19.
First on his agenda is getting the budget ready. He is also watching and learning how the district does its summer school.
Koehn said he didn’t come into the job with a list of goals; instead he is simply learning from the school and community.
“I need to get to know Iola and do a listening and learning tour,” Koehn said. “Once I do that it’s a matter of creating a shared vision. The vision will come a little later.”
Koehn said he is ready to work with the school board.
“The board has been really supportive,” he said. “I’m very thankful for their confidence in me.”
He is also looking forward to settling into the area.
“My wife and I are excited to be here and being a part of the community.”
Koehn joins USD 257
