Nebo School Board of Education Appoints Administrators

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Suzanne Kimball–Coordinator of Employee Support
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Suzanne Kimball as the Coordinator of Employee Support. Suzanne received her bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University and a Masters in Educational Administration from Purdue University.

Mrs. Kimball had the unique opportunity of opening two new junior high schools, Salem Junior High for two years and Mapleton Junior High for five years. She was also the Principal of Springville Middle School for four years. Mrs. Kimball taught English for six years and has worked in Nebo School District for eighteen years.
                               
Secondary Director, John DeGraffenried, said, “Suzanne is one of Nebo’s professional leaders in curriculum. She has always been an innovator and change leader.  She works well with her faculty and staff.”

Mrs. Kimball was selected as Principal of the Year in 2011-2012 by the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals.  Suzanne received the Excellence of Education Award from the PTA in 2001 and the Reading Principal of the Year Award for Nebo in 2005-2006 by the Utah Council of the International Reading Association.

Mrs. Kimball said, “In education, you can’t help but become attached to those who you teach and those that teach you. I have been surrounded by masters in the field. My only principal and mentor, George Rasband, and my mentor teacher, Annette Evans, certainly put me on the right course from the beginning. Since then, every superintendent and director I have worked with has made an impression and taught me new skills. And without question, the teachers and students I have had the privilege of working with have touched my life in great measure.”

Suzanne enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, and organizing. She is married to Richard; they have three children, Abigail and Solomon 12 years, and Zadie Kay 7 years.

Robert Fleming–Principal of Salem Junior High
Robert Fleming was appointed by the Nebo School Board of Education as Principal of Salem Junior for Nebo School District. He will fill the vacancy left by Suzanne Kimball. Robert received his bachelor’s and master's degrees in History and a master’s degree in Education Leadership all from Brigham Young University.

Mr. Fleming has worked for Nebo School District for 19 years.  The last five years as Principal of Spanish Fork Junior and two years Assistant Principal at Payson Junior. The previous twelve years were at Payson Junior High where he taught history, geography, and physical education. Also, he coached basketball, tennis, and track.

One of Robert’s colleagues stated, “Robert is very professional, always handling situations with integrity and respect. He works well with students and seeks to understand where they are coming from before deciding how to handle the situation.  Robert is vision oriented, knowing that a school’s success lies within building a positive academic and social culture–one that is nurturing, equitable, collaborative, and dedicated to excellence.”

When receiving the new assignment, Mr. Fleming stated, “I am thrilled to accept this new position as principal of Salem Junior High School. I have lived in Salem for the past 17 years and I look forward to serving the families of this great community. Each assignment I have had in Nebo District has been a blessing to me because of working with wonderful people who make a difference in the lives of children.”

Robert enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, running, hiking, camping, and spending time with family outdoors and in sports.  He is married to Lena, and they have three children.

Dwight Liddiard–Principal of Spanish Fork Junior High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mr. Dwight Liddiard as the Principal of Spanish Fork Junior, replacing Robert Fleming. Mr. Liddiard was selected to open the new East Meadows Elementary in 2006 where he served as principal for eight years. Also, he served as Principal of Larsen Elementary for nine years and at Park View Elementary for one year. Before becoming an administrator, Mr. Liddiard worked at the district office as the Curriculum and Testing Coordinator for four years. He taught at Brockbank Elementary for eight years.

Dwight Liddiard has received numerous distinguished awards. This past year he was named as 2013 National Distinguished Principal. This national award honored America’s best school leaders for sustaining strong schools. The National Association of Elementary School Principals said, “This national award recognizes principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities.”

Dwight has served in ten leadership positions at the state level for the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals and in ten positions at the national level. He received the Utah Mentor Principal of the Year in 2011, the Utah Distinguished Principal in 2003, the Utah Instructional Leader of the Year in 2002, the Utah Reading Principal of the Year in 2001, the Utah Rookie of the Year in 1997, and was selected as the Utah Principal Academy Fellow in 2000.

Mr. Liddiard received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Educational Leadership both from Brigham Young University (BYU). He completed a Reading Endorsement in 2010 from BYU. Mr. Liddiard serves on the BYU Partnership Advisory Council and mentor for BYU and Southern Utah University (SUU). Mr. Liddiard is on the Adjunct Faculty for both universities.

More of Mr. Liddiard’s professional accomplishments include working with Early Intervention, Children’s Literature, Principalship Mentoring, and School-wide Balanced Literacy Implementation.

Dwight enjoys collecting new ties and loves driving new cars. He is involved in the 4-H, Livestock shows, horses, and the family business–Circle V Meat.  He is married to Brenda. They have two children, Kaylee and Garrick.

Celeste Gledhill–Principal of East Meadows Elementary
Celeste Gledhill was appointed by the Nebo Board of Education as Principal of East Meadows Elementary for Nebo School District, replacing Dwight Liddiard.

Celeste received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University and master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.

Ms. Gledhill was employed as a classroom teacher for seven years in Jordan District prior to moving to Nebo District in 2001. She taught second through sixth grades. Ms. Gledhill’s most recent position was Principal of Mapleton Elementary for the past six years. Celeste also served for several years as a district math and science specialist, kindergarten through sixth grade mathematics instructor, and as an English as a Second Language Facilitator.

Principal Dwight Liddiard states, “There are a number of characteristics that shine when you think about Celeste. These include: teaching ability, dedication and commitment, mentoring skills, and personality.  She understands the art of teaching and will be able to help her staff become better teachers. Celeste is always doing nice things for others and has a knack of making everyone know they belong to the group.  Every school where she has been is a better place because of her work.”

One of Ms. Gledhill’s favorite quotes is, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Celeste was raised in Spanish Fork, Utah, where she currently resides.  She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, family activities and the outdoors.  Celeste is the daughter of Loretta Cloward and Donald Gledhill.

Julie Peery–Principal of Mapleton Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Julie Peery as Principal of Mapleton Elementary for Nebo School District, replacing Celeste Gledhill. Julie received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University and master’s degree in Education and an Administrative License from Southern Utah University (SUU). She completed a Gifted and Talented Endorsement in 2000 from Brigham Young University (BYU), and an Elementary Math Endorsement in 2005 from SUU.

Mrs. Peery taught eleven years as a fifth-grade teacher and four years as a third-grade teacher both at Larsen Elementary. Julie served as Facilitator at Larsen for four years and has been a Clinical Faculty Associate for the last two years. She has also been an adjunct professor for the Elementary Math Endorsement for SUU and BYU.

One of Julie’s colleagues stated, “Julie has a natural ability to work with people. She has been a mentor to numerous teachers. She understands how to make teachers better. Julie truly understands curriculum and instruction. She is extremely intelligent and has amazing teaching skills.”

Mrs. Peery received the Nebo Gifted Teacher of the Year in 2001, Utah Finalist for Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science in 2004, and the Crystal Apple Award in 2008.

William Butler Yeats stated, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Julie said, “This truly describes my beliefs about the purpose of education; my success is only as great as those I teach, mentor or lead . . . in other words, my role is to ‘light fires’ of curiosity, passion, determination, and self-confidence. I also believe that having a positive attitude and grateful heart are the keys to being happy in life and in building relationships with others.

When addressing the School Board Julie said, “I am deeply honored to serve as a principals of Mapleton Elementary and look forward to working with the faculty, staff, parents and students of that excellent school. I am grateful to my own parents for instilling the value of education in my heart and mind, for my husband and daughters for their unconditional love and support, and for the many mentors I’ve had throughout Nebo District who have believed in me and inspired me to grow, serve and lead.”

Julie enjoys playing the piano, scrapbooking, making cards, reading, and traveling with my family (especially to Disneyland). She is married to Jeff; and they have two daughters, Emily and Tessa.

Shanna Stirland–Principal of Park View Elementary
Shanna Stirland was appointed by the Nebo Board of Education as Principal of Park View Elementary for Nebo School District. She will fill the vacancy left by Kristie Reynolds.

Mrs. Stirland received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Educational Leadership both from Brigham Young University (BYU). She completed a Gifted and Talented Endorsement in 2013, English as a Second Language Endorsement in 2006, both from BYU.

Mrs. Stirland taught fourth grade for one year, fifth grade for twelve years, and sixth grade for two years. She has worked in Nebo School District for twelve and in another district for fifteen. Mrs. Stirland received the Crystal Apple Award and Nebo Employee of the Month Award.

A former principal, Susan Huff, said, “She has the positive energy that directly affects the students and adults with whom she works. . . She believes in every child’s potential to succeed, and then she works to make success happen. . . I saw the leadership and personal qualities in her that make a great leader. . .”

One of Shanna’s favorite quotes is by John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more . . . you are a leader.” “I will lead by example.”

Mrs. Stirland said, “I am passionate about the educational success of all children. I love working with children – it is so rewarding!”

Shanna enjoys jogging, biking, reading, and playing with her family. She is married to McKay, and they have four children, Jared, Mary, Garret, and Millie.

Mark Bake–Assistant Principal of Diamond Fork Junior
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mark Bake as the Assistant Principal of Diamond Fork Junior for Nebo School District filling the vacancy left by Nate Whitney. Mark received his bachelor’s degree in Spanish and master’s degree in Library Science as well as a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Brigham Young University.

Mr. Bake has worked for Nebo School District for 29 years. He taught seventeen years (four of those in Oregon) as a high school English teacher and two years as a Spanish teacher. He also worked seven years as a curriculum specialist for Nebo School District, two years as an intern assistant principal, and five years as an Assistant Principal at Spanish Fork Junior.

A colleague said, “Mark comes to this position with a wealth of knowledge from various experiences over the years. He is well-known as an outstanding teacher, presenter, and coach.” One of Mark's favorite quotes comes from Pat Conroy, a contemporary American author: "If there is more important work than teaching, I hope to learn about it before I die."
 
Mark served on Springville City’s drug prevention task force. He enjoys reading good literature, biographies, and history; carving; composing music; singing; playing guitar; camping; hiking; ATV riding; and writing. He is married to Rhonda. They have five children--all graduates of Nebo schools--and thirteen grandchildren.

Nate Whitney–Assistant Principal of Spanish Fork Junior
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Nate Whitney as the Assistant Principal of Spanish Fork Junior High School. Nate received his associate’s degree at Dixie College, his bachelor’s degrees in biology and Spanish, and his master’s in Education Administration all at Southern Utah University.

Mr. Whitney has worked for Nebo District for ten years and outside the district for seven years. He taught Spanish and science at Kingman High School, Dixie Middle School, and Quartz Hill High. Mr. Whitney helped coach football and has been the advisor of a Spanish Club. He has served as scout master for more than seven years.

Principal RaShel Anderson said, “Nate is a great leader and has the ability to mentor teachers. He is a highly effective instructional leader. Nate is willing to go the extra mile to try new ideas and strives to help each child succeed in school. I admire his enthusiasm for learning, love of students, collaboration, teaming, and hard work.”

Mr. Whitney said, “I am grateful for the opportunity that this new experience offers and look forward to serving where needed. I truly have mixed emotions - I am saddened to leave Diamond Fork Junior because of the many great relationships with students, parents, faculty and staff that I have formed here, yet I'm excited to return to Spanish Fork Junior and rekindle some wonderful long-held friendships there.”

Mr. Whitney’s motto comes from James Allen, “A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life.”

Nate enjoys gardening, yard work, camping, hiking, and kayaking.  He is married to Ginger, and they have four children.

Attributions
Lana Hiskey