Garden Valley School Board Hires New Principal

Bob Vian listens to concerned parents at Meet the Candidate social.

At a special meeting of the Garden Valley School Board, Monday, August 1, Bob Vian of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was hired as Principal of the Garden Valley Schools.

Robert (Bob) Vian is coming from Ponderosa Junior High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he has served as principal since 2006. He previously served as principal of a 7-12 school, assistant principal in a high school, and dean of students. He holds a bachelor of science degree, a masters degree with 27 additional hours beyond, and is fully certificated as a school administrator. Bob also served one term in the Oregon State Legislature.

As a science teacher, Bob taught Physics, Accelerated Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and many other subjects. He has coached track, and assisted with other sports.

Under Bob’s leadership, his schools have improved student attendance; he establishes weekly communications with parents, has developed Extended Day programs for students at risk and programs for gifted and/or accelerated students.

Bob and his wife Sue are Boise State fans, as their son played at BSU. Both of their sons live in Boise, along with their grandchildren. One reason for considering Garden Valley is that their adult children will be "just the right distance away – close but not too close.”

"We could not be more pleased," says Superintendent Mike Tomlin. "Bob has a lengthy and exemplary record of achievement as a principal. He won't have to learn the job - he knows the job."

In other Board action, Ronice Gilbertson was hired from the Meridian School District, to teach Business and serve as IDLA Site Coordinator. Ronice (Ronnie) is certified in PTE Business, Social Studies, Political Science, and Library Science. She holds a bachelors degree from Northern Arizona University, and a second bachelors (suma cum laude) from Mayville State University. Her interests include 4H, Scouting, endurance riding, sport motorcycling, and computers.

The Board also hired Codey Huston for the position of Maintenance Director for the District. Codey is a Wolverine through and through, graduating from GVHS in 2005. He was in National Honor Society, has received an American Legion Citizen Award and currently works for the District in Maintenance. Codey will work toward his water operators licensing, as he oversees the facility operations of the school and old and new campuses.

The School District congratulates and welcomes its new employees.