This story part of a series highlighting local school superintendents as part of GSI’s IN Schools campaign. Watch each week for the next edition!
A proud graduate of Mead High School and the University of Idaho, Jeff Baerwald, superintendent of the Nine Mile Falls School District, has always enjoyed taking things apart and building them with his hands. So it’s no surprise that when he was a middle school principal, he took matters into his own hands regarding student behavior.
As a middle school principal, Baerwald grew frustrated with student behavior in crowded hallways. Instead of waiting for a facilities request, he devised a creative solution and proposed a deal to the district: if they relocated one row of lockers, he would personally renovate the space to improve student flow. Once the lockers were removed and with the help of his custodian, Kurt Watson, Baerwald tiled, textured, and painted three hallways, creating more space for students to pass through. When students returned in the fall, they found transformed spaces that facilitated better movement, reduced disruptions, and most importantly, led to improved behavior.
“Leadership in education means rolling up your sleeves and doing the work that needs to be done,” said Baerwald when he recalled the locker story.
Baerwald credits Dr. Alison Olzendam, who served as his principal mentor while pursuing his administrative credentials, as a key mentor who demonstrated how student-centered thinking, collaboration, and common sense can drive systems-level change. He also finds early inspiration from Coach Paul Dixon, one of Baerwald’s youth football coaches, and chemistry teacher Laura Gray, whose influence and belief in students shaped his leadership philosophy. Both Paul and Laura approached their work by instilling confidence in him, assuring that regardless of the challenge, he had the ability to succeed.
Outside of his professional life, Baerwald is a NASCAR fan and even built a house during his first two years as a superintendent, doing much of the work himself on weekends and during vacation days.
His message to the community is clear and inspiring: “We love what we do, and we are here to serve every student that walks through our doors.”
Learn more about how you can support GSI’s IN School’s campaign to foster stronger connections between our schools and the communities they serve.