NEW SUPERINTENDENT • Rick Robins, left, receives congratulations from outgoing superintendent Jim Shank on his appointment to be the Superintendent of Schools for Juab School District. Robins is currently the principal at Juab High School.
By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A duel announcement was made at Juab School District Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.
One superintendent of schools resigned and another was appointed.
Dale Whitlock, board president said: "It is with pleasure that I announce that the Juab School District Board of Education has named Dr. Rick Robins as Superintendent of Juab School District effective July 1, 2013. Dr. Robins will replace Dr. Jim Shank, who is leaving the District to assume a superintendent position in Washington State."
Since the appointment of Robins, who has been principal of Juab High School, a new high school principal for that school will be needed.
The process of selecting a new principal began the day after the announcement was made.
"We posted the position Thursday," said Shank. "We have invited a group of teachers and parents to serve on a selection committee with that committee conducting the first round of interviews and the Board conducting a second round of interviews."
Shank's letter of resignation was accepted by the board at the board meeting Wednesday and the resignation will become effective on June 30.
There were few dry eyes among the board and Shank himself, as he tendered his official resignation on Wednesday.
"It is with some difficulty that I write this letter," Shank read from his letter of resignation. "I have so enjoyed working with each of you and the Juab School District staff."
He had received an opportunity to return to his home state of Washington and serve as the superintendent of schools for Coupeville School District.
"As you know, my wife Sallie and I were both born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and have the majority of our family living there. As such, we have chosen to replant our roots closer to home," he said.
His wife, he said, was from Oregon.
"I also want to express my gratitude for your support as we have been able to accomplish some excellent work together," said Shank. "Indeed, the board, through its vision and mission, has moved the district forward in a number of ways that will benefit students in the years to come."
"Dr. Robins is currently the Juab High School principal and has served in that capacity for the past four years. Last year he was named the Utah High School Principal of the Year and has been an outstanding educator with tremendous leadership ability working to improve educational outcomes for all students," said Whitlock.
He said that Dr. Robins is well known throughout the community and has served in various leadership capacities.
"The Juab School District Board of Education was unanimous in its decision to appoint Dr. Robins as superintendent and will make this selection official at its regularly scheduled June 19th Board meeting," Whitlock said.
Whitlock said that Robins is looking forward to working with students, staff, and parents as the district transitions to new leadership.
Shank has expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the work that has been accomplished together these past three years.
"We want to compliment Dr. Shank for what he has done for the district for the last three years," said Whitlock. "He has helped us get on a very good path. We had some tough financial times and he has helped us through that."
For his part, said Robins, as he addressed the board following the announcement, he had a great mentor in Shank. He also had benefited from working with Dr. Kirk Wright, former superintendent.
"Talking about the last four years," said Robins, "I want to thank Dr. Shank, this is a great man, a great mentor."
"I have had great mentors in my life," he said, "who stepped forward and who gave me this opportunity."
He said that he and Shank were of like mind in their visions for the district.
"I will miss the kids," said Robins. "It has been a pleasure to work with them."
He also thanked the other principals in the district and said he has a good relationship with all of them and found them all to be people of vision.
Robins said he was a man who cared greatly about students and about presenting them with great opportunities to succeed.
He also wanted to thank his wife for her support, as well as his family.
His father was a former teacher and Robins was grateful for that.
"I appreciate Heidi, my wife, for her support," he said. "No one understands what being the spouse of a high school principal means unless they have been one."
He said he was both excited about the prospect of becoming superintendent of the district and, at the same time, overwhelmed.
"I am ready to move forward," he said.
"It is my hope," said Shank to the board, "that we will continue to work well together as we transition new leadership and set course for even greater success. I have great respect and care for each of you. I count you as not only outstanding mentors, leaders and colleagues but friends who I admire and hope that when our future paths cross that we will do so with open hearts."
Following an executive session, it was decided to offer the job of superintendent to Robins. There was simply a consensus, at that time, that he was the right choice.
Official action will take place in the June Board Meeting.
