New JCSD superintendent optimistic
Dr. Dawson hopeful about his future as the new school official in Juniata County
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MIFFLINTOWN -- After having a few weeks to settle in to his new position, Juniata County School District's new superintendent says the district is poised to move forward in a positive direction.
Dr. Gary Dawson took on his new role at earlier this month and has had the opportunity to meet with principals and staff to discuss priorities for each building.
"We have two beautiful new elementary buildings, the staff are working hard and it's exciting to see kids get excited about learning," he said. "Whenever I get down or I feel a little bit of a lull in education, I go down to one of the elementary schools. If you can't get excited about education by going to an elementary school, I don't know what to tell you because those kids come every day jumping off the bus happy to be there are ready to learn."
While he is still getting a feel for the district and the community, Dawson said he would like to see its STEM (science, technology, engineering and technology) program expand.
"When you look at our employee shortages in jobs, those areas are always looking for people. Even as a school district, when we look for employees, we're looking or a math teacher, a science teacher, a technology teacher. Those areas are extremely difficult to fill because there aren't enough people to fill the roles."
Dawson is also a supporter of vocational education.
"In our society, we have this idea that every child should attend a four-year institution and I don't necessarily believe that is correct," he said. "I think every child has to find their own way and we as a school district have to offer them the experience and background that allow them to achieve their goals, whether that be a four-year education, the military, the workforce or a vocational area. I just want to make sure we are meeting the needs of all of those students."
Dawson said he believes the school district is poised to move in a positive direction.
"It has some great opportunity," he said. "I think it's a nice-sized district. It's large enough that you can really do some different programs, but still small enough that you can have a personal touch across the whole district."
The new superintendent said he hopes to be able to leave a positive, lasting impact on Juniata County.
"My longterm goal is hopefully when it comes time for me to move on that I've left this place a little better than what I found it," he said.
Dawson said open communication with the public is key when it comes to maintaining credibility in the community.
"We need to make sure we are putting our best foot forward and trying to move beyond those issues," said Dawson. "We have to educate our kids and move forward. We can't allow those past circumstances to impede our ability to do that. The trust will come over time."
Dawson started his career in education as a chemistry teacher in Allegheny County, Maryland.
From there, he took a position as a math teacher at Bedford Area School District before moving on to become an administrator with the district -- a position he held for about 10 years.
Dawson then took a position as superintendent of Tussey Mountain School District, which encompasses parts of Bedford and Huntingdon counties.
Dawson and his with, Lisa, live in Bedford County and hope to eventually move to Juniata County. They have two children in college.
He considers himself an "outdoor person" enjoys shooting competitive archery with his son, who is a freshman at Frostburg State University in Maryland. His daughter is a senior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.