GUSD introduces new Superintendent Jerry Jennex

Holly Sow/ Arizona Silver Belt GUSD Superintendent Jerry Jennex is ready for the new school year.

Globe — New Globe Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Jennex comes to Globe with 18 years experience as a superintendent. This isn’t the first time he and his wife have packed up all of their worldly possessions and traveled across the country.

In most of the places he’s lived, such as Montana, South Dakota and most recently Michigan, the sun stepped aside for plenty of snow. He spent eight years in Orange County, California, which gave him a taste of what he might be encountering here in Globe. He’s also been to Mesa a few times to visit his mother.

He said he is attracted to Globe by not just the climate, but the people. “I’ve always been fascinated with different parts of the country,” he said.

This is Jennex’s 35th year as an educator. He has taught history and social studies, coached soccer, basketball, track and cross country and served as an athletic director. He’s also been principal at all grade levels. “I really enjoy kids of all ages,” he said.

Jennex has been doing his homework and learning about how districts are governed and regulated in Arizona to prepare for opening day.

“I’ve been in contact with superintendents and the school board association in Arizona,” he said. “My third day on the job…I met with the other superintendents in Gila County and had the chance to ask questions.”

Jennex has plenty of ideas of his own. “I look forward to working with the Globe community to build a cohesive team, including the board, administration, staff, students and parents,” he said. “I am looking forward to building relationships that will make a difference for the students of Globe.”

He is well aware that there have already been some positive changes in Globe in recent years. “My goal is to continue that momentum,” he said. “I want students to achieve high academic performance and to learn how to be contributors to the greater community. I want to lead by example in that endeavor. I want to be the kind of superintendent the community can be proud of.”

He knows Globe has some challenges to face academically. “I will work very closely with school administrators to analyze the data and put positive interventions in place and build on whatever successes have already been experienced,” he said.

For the complete article see the 07-18-2012 issue.

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