Continental names superintendent

Arizona educator James Nelson was introduced Friday morning as the new superintendent for the Continental School District. He will succeed Dr. Gaye Leo effective July 1

Although Nelson signed a contract two weeks ago, the board withheld any announcement until Nelson was released by the Nadaburg Unified School District in Wittman, where he has been superintendent since July 2005. Wittman is located 30 miles northwest of Phoenix

“This is going to be fun,” Nelson told the Continental staff.

With his wife, Candy, accompanying him, Nelson said they were looking forward to being closer to their daughter, Molly, her husband, Barry, and 9-month old grandson Ethan. They live in Tucson.

The Nelsons also have a son, Bryan, who lives in the Wittman area.

Nelson said he was really excited and has always identified with small communities.

“I know the challenges of growth… I like working with an active community… kids keep me young and kids keep me focused," he said.

Nelson previous was a superintendent in Mayer and Bonita. A native of Iowa, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Dubuque and his Masters of Arts degree in Educational Administration/Curriculum and Finance from the University of Iowa.

He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. Both parents were school administrators.

Nelson and his wife will soon begin looking for a home in Green Valley; he said it’s important that he live within the community.