CORVALLIS — You may feel pretty unsettled in your job this summer because of all the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic but imagine starting a brand new job which includes keeping hundreds of kids safe from the coronavirus.
That's exactly the challenge new Corvallis School Superintendent Jon Konen faces this summer as he starts a new assignment after coming over from Great Falls Schools.
Although he has the advantage of taking over in one of the most highly-regarded school districts in Montana, it's also at the most unsettling time, as everyone is scrambling and innovating for a safe way to re-open schools.
Konen says the staff -- and former Superintendent Tim Johnson -- have been very helpful getting up to speed in a hurry.
"He did a great job of getting me ready and giving information to me that was needed to be able to start the job. So, to get to spend some time with him. And then he really stressed how much I can lean on the administration here," Konen told MTN News. "There's some great principals, they're all great principals. And they've been very helpful in getting ready for this school year. And started meeting some staff members as well, especially with the task force we created here recently. Just realizing how well they all team together and focus on what's best for kids."
Outside of preparing to re-open school this fall, Konen says his "number one" goal will be to build relationships with the community in the months to come.
