CONTINENTAL HIRES NELSON

Arizona educator starts July 1 as superintendent

It was a warm welcome for James Nelson on Friday when he walked into the Continental School library just before 7:30 a.m. and was introduced as the superintendent to succeed Dr. Gaye Leo effective July 1.

Although the Arizona educator agreed to a contract two weeks ago, the Continental board withheld an announcement until Nelson was released by the Nadaburg Unified School District in Wittman, a community 30 miles northwest of Phoenix, where he has been superintendent since July 2005.

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

With his wife, Candy, accompanying him, Nelson said both are looking forward to being closer to their daughter Molly, her husband Barry, and their 9-month-old son, Ethan, who live in Tucson.

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

Nelson said he identifies with small communities and their potential.

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

Asked what he anticipated as his beginning hurdle, Nelson spoke of Continental’s “Excelling” status and maintaining, if not improving, on it. He said his schools have always had improved test results.

Nelson previously worked as a superintendent in Mayer and Bonita. The Iowa native 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.

Nelson is a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. Both of his 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.

“I’m ready to go… my door will be open,” Nelson said. “I’m part of the community and invite parents to come and meet me.”

Board member Dick Roberts said: “Welcome; it’s good to have you on board. Welcome to Continental School.”

Leo announced her resignation in January. She said she will return to the Phoenix area, where she lived before accepting the Continental job in 2006, to pursue future opportunities.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.