Coupeville schools Superintendent Jim Shank is moving to larger, not necessarily greener, pastures.
He was selected Monday to become superintendent for the Cassia County School District in Burley, Idaho.
Shank begins in his new job on July 1.
The district has 17 schools, including five high schools and approximately 5,500 students enrolled — a far cry from Coupeville’s three schools and fewer than 1,000 enrolled students.
Shank said the move is something he’s been wanting and planning for.
He previously lived in Idaho for 15 years, his wife’s family relocated there and they’ll have four of their six kids going to school in the state.
Last year, he applied for but did not get a superintendent job in neighboring Twin Falls, Idaho.
Shank served as superintendent in Coupeville for five years. During that time, the district passed maintenance and operations levies, technology levies and a capital facilities levy that built a new track and stadium as well as other needed building projects. The final piece of that levy, building a new multipurpose room at the elementary school, is underway and will be completed this summer.
For Shank, the achievements he’s most proud of involve the students.
“I’m all about learning, and when kids learn that’s a success,” he said.
Shank specifically cited the successful 100 percent graduation rate in 2017 as well as making academic changes to offerings and a new schedule system.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to work here,” Shank said. “I’ll have great memories to look back on.”
“The district has a great board, great teachers, great administrators.”
Because the decision came just this week and during spring break, Shank has not submitted his formal resignation to the school board.
However, the board is aware he was applying, and he has reached out to the school board members about his selection.
He said the board may decide to discuss the next steps in seeking his replacement during an April 16 board retreat or during the next regular board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 23.