New Administrative Appointments for Nebo School District Starting January 2020

David Knudsen – Principal of the New Valley View Middle School
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed David Knudsen as the Principal of the new Valley View Middle School in Salem for Nebo School District starting in January 2020.

Mr. Knudsen received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and his master’s in Educational Leadership both from Brigham Young University. He was also a Brigham Young University Leader Preparation Program (LPP) recipient.

For the past two and half years,  Mr. Knudsen served as Principal of Salem Junior High. Previously, he was the Assistant Principal at Maple Mountain High for five years and at Springville Junior High. David  taught physical education, math, and history classes at both Springville Middle School and East Carbon High School. Mr. Knudsen coached girls’ basketball at Springville High and East Carbon High and coached track at East Carbon High.

A colleague said, “I have been very impressed with Mr. Knudsen’s administrative skills. He is well organized and works successfully with teachers, parents, and students. Mr. Knudsen’s best skills are working with people. He has a personable manner and deals well with all people. His love of students, and his sincere desire to make a difference in their lives makes him an excellent administrator.”

Mr. Knudsen said, “I have come to the realization that a large part of us is made up of the relationships and experiences we have in this life. The wonderful thing about education is that we can influence these two things in the lives of the people around us.  What we do is vital to helping people be successful throughout their lives.” His motto is: “Anything is possible.”

David serves in leadership roles in his church and with multiple youth sports. He loves spending time with his family, going camping, eating food, and coaching and playing sports. He is married to Kathy; and they have four children with a new grand baby on the way.

Keith Richards Appointed Principal of Salem Junior High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Keith Richards as the Principal of Salem Junior High for Nebo School District starting in January 2020.

Keith earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Utah Valley University and his master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University. 

Mr. Richards is currently the Assistant Principal at Spanish Fork High and was the Assistant Principal at Mapleton Junior for three years and also served as the Dean of Students. He taught mathematics at Salem Hills High for two years and at Diamond Fork Junior for four years.

Some of Mr. Richards’ awards include: Teacher of the Year for Salem Hills High in 2015 and Nebo District PEAK Award Winner in 2018.

A colleague said, “Keith creates a positive, warm culture at the school. He builds relationships with our students, teachers, parents, and staff members. He effectively communicates our school vision and ensures that our members have a voice in developing a school improvement plan. He is a thoughtful listener and shares great ideas. When students do not follow school rules, he helps them replace negative behavior with positive behavior. His patient, calming influence works magic on the most difficult situations.”

One of Mr. Richards’ favorite quotes is by Paul “Bear” Bryant, “It’s not the will to win that matters–everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Keith said, “In this competitive world, students need to be prepared and have the drive to win in whatever their dreams may be in life.” 

“I have had many mentors in my life beginning with my family who has been a huge support to me in all that I do and in all of my crazy endeavors, followed by many teachers and administrators that have really shaped and made me a better educator,” stated Keith. “I have cherished friends that I have loved working with and learning from over my entire career at the different schools that I have been blessed to work.” 
                    
Keith loves camping, hunting, and being outdoors with his family. He also enjoys watching and playing sports as a family. He is married to Jamie, and they have four children and reside in Salem.

Jade Andersen – Assistant Principal Spanish Fork High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Jade Andersen as the Assistant Principal of Spanish Fork High for Nebo School District starting in January 2020.

Mr. Andersen earned his bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Brigham Young University and his master’s degree in Education with an Administration Endorsement from Southern Utah University. 
        
For the past two years, Mr. Andersen has served as the Dean of Students at Springville High; and previously, he served as the Dean of Students at Maple Mountain High for four years. Mr. Andersen served as a teacher of a behavior unit comprised of students who were classified with emotional disturbance at the district Sunrise Program where he taught all subject areas including math, English, science, history, social skills, and behavior modification for six years.

A colleague said, “Jade is a bright, capable person with a fun, energetic personality and well respected by students, parents, peers, and staff. He enjoys interacting with students in the halls and attending our extracurricular events. Jade is comfortable meeting with distressed parents and working through their concerns. He is a huge asset with his knowledge in special education and helping teachers refine their classroom management practices. Jade will be an outstanding administrator.”    

Mr. Andersen’s motto is: “Sometimes the things we can’t change, end up changing us instead.” He said, “I am grateful for the teachers, staff, and administrators within Nebo School District that have become my friends and have helped me to grow personally and professionally.”

Jade helped create the Schinzel-Giedion Foundation and aided the Spanish Fork Cities Youth Arts Festival as well as coach Little League Baseball. Jade enjoys playing and watching sports, construction, hiking, hunting, working in the yard, camping and going on vacations with family. He is married to Charla, and they have three children.

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