Aidan Mortensen, KOAL News

The Emery School District met on Wednesday, June 19 for their monthly meeting. Among a few smaller items, the major item was the appointment of new district superintendent Dr. Jim Shank, an appointment which came after the resignation of former superintendent Ryan Maughan.

Shank served as a principal from 1995 to 2008 within the Idaho Falls School District, before being promoted to the Director of Federal Programs within the same district.

Shank got his first Superintendent position in the Juab School District. Following this he also had stints as Superintendent of the Coupeville School District in Washington, the Cassia County School District in Idaho, Idaho Falls School District 91 and the North Beach School District in Washington before getting the Emery job.

Shank holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Teaching, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University. On top of this, he holds a Doctorate of education from Idaho State University.

David Svien, a journalist who runs coupvillesports.com and covered Shank during his time in the Coupeville School District, spoke highly of Shank sharing with Castle Country Radio,” I think quite highly of Dr. Shank, and believe he was the best Superintendent we’ve had in Coupeville in my 30-plus years here.” Svien also stated,” He accomplished quite a bit here, worked extremely well with everyone, and was well-liked and respected.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to work in the Emery County School District,” said Shank.

The hiring of Shank marks the fourth Superintendent change within the Emery School District since 2020, including Jason Strate who was hired for less than a month before resigning.