We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Both the Harlem Public Schools and Turner Public School have new superintendents for the upcoming school year. The new head for Harlem schools, Shawn Smith, served as the superintendent for school systems in Oregon and Montana. Russ McKenna, at Turner, is a returning superintendent to the system there.
Shawn Smith, Harlem Schools
Shawn Smith has a varied background in law, business and education. She is a native Alaskan, born there where her father was a bush pilot. Early on the family moved to the west coast of Africa, to Monrovia, Liberia. She said, “I was the only white person many of the locals had ever seen.” To ease her acceptance into college, Smith moved from Africa back to Washington State and lived with an uncle and family to finish her last two years of high school.
Smith attended Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University) and graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelor’s degree in humanities and speech communication. In the 1990’s she got her teaching credentials and went on to earn a master’s degree in school administration. She said of her career change from business and law to education, “I always loved teaching, from the time I would teach kids in Liberia to read.” She held administrative positions in school systems in Siuslaw, Oregon and Pine Creek Elementary in the Livingston, Montana area prior to joining the Harlem system.
As to plans for the Harlem system, Smith said, “I want to work closely with Aaniiih Nakoda College at Fort Belknap to develop a STEM track from high school to college. That will build on some successful programs already in the high school, like the Formula 1 project, computer assisted design and drafting and existing science classes.” STEM has to do with educational programs related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She said there will also be a focus on increasing attendance and reducing truancy. Smith added, “I received a very gracious welcome from the Fort Belknap Tribal Council. I’m hoping to continue to build trust among the various stakeholders in the Harlem schools.” Smith is taking Gros Ventre language classes so she can “greet and address folks in their native language.”
Smith started her new duties on July 1. She has twin sons and one daughter, all in college. She is married to Jeff Kelly, a reporter and meteorologist for KRTV in Great Falls.
Russ McKenna, returning to Turner Schools
Russ McKenna is returning as superintendent for the Turner School. He served as superintendent there for four years, then left three years ago for another position. The last two years, since leaving Turner, he served as a 7-12 grade principal in Crosby, North Dakota.
McKenna has spent most of his working career in education. He said, “I spent a few years in the Air Force, but not enough years for a retirement.” He’s originally from Billings and graduated from high school there. He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montana State University. Of his return to Turner, McKenna said, “I’m looking forward to working with the students, staff and community of Turner. It’s great to be back.”
The “Journal” welcomes these two educators to the area and wishes them well in their new positions.
