Schools chief gets down to business
An eighth-grade class at River City Middle School in Post Falls is testing a weekly course meant to give students an introduction to finance and investment. And it’s taught by the school district’s head honcho, Superintendent Jerry Keane.
“It’s cool that he’s the one who comes over and does it and he doesn’t just send another teacher,” said Joel Wilson, 14.
Keane’s reasons for teaching the class are two-fold. Called Junior Achievement, the class is part of a national program to teach students about business. The program had been offered to freshmen at Post Falls High School but ended in 2001 after funding ceased.
Now it’s back, financed by a national insurance company. Keane wants to see if the new eighth-grade curriculum is something the district could make a permanent part of middle school. The courses are typically taught by local business leaders, but Keane wanted to experience the class himself before committing the district to the program.
The other reason is a bit simpler.
“It’s fun,” Keane said. “I try to get back in the classroom as much as I can because that’s where the action is.”
Like most school superintendents, Keane got his start in the classroom, teaching government and history at Post Falls High School for seven years before moving on to a vice principal’s position and ultimately the district’s top spot.
“That’s one of the downfalls of being an administrator, you don’t have the kids,” he said. “This just keeps me grounded. Middle school kids are especially good at keeping people grounded.”
For the class of about 25 students, Keane seems like just another teacher. They know he’s the district superintendent, but when you’re 14, titles don’t always carry a lot of weight. Class clowns will still be class clowns, notes will be passed and gossip whispered.
But Keane isn’t there just for the benefit of students. His presence in the classroom keeps him on his toes and shows teachers he’s in touch with the schools, he said. It also will help show local business leaders who might be tapped to help with the Junior Achievement program that the district is serious.
“We’re going to go out and ask a bunch of business folks to give their time, so I’d better be willing to give my time,” he said.