During his time working as an Academy consultant for the Career Academy of McPherson County, former assistant principal Kent Nye has overseen the forming of three programs that he thinks will set students on a positive course for the future.

The Academy, which first opened in September, offers Certified Nurse’s Assistant classes as well as classes for those who desire a career in manufacturing or education. The Academy is a charter school, which means that it is somewhat like a sister school to MHS. “This year has been mostly a planning year. We need to focus on needs in the community,” Nye said.

With only three classes during its first year, Nye hopes to provide more programs for students next year after he has looked into what subjects would be most beneficial to students looking for jobs within the community.

“We’ve spent this year trying to do three things: survey and research the current employment outlook in McPherson, assess current programs being offered in the county and we’re doing an assessment of whether we need to add or delete programs because they are being repeated,” Nye said.

While Nye has spent this year focusing on the academy, Greg Smith has stepped up to fill the position of assistant principal. Smith was happy to take this job because he felt that MHS was an appealing school to work at.

“I do [like this school] a lot. I liked Faust and Watson, and had heard about the incredible students and parents here,” Smith said.

Smith has worked in USD 418 for 15 years. He has taught as a substitute, a teacher’s aide, worked with physical education classes, been a teacher in help room, and worked at the McPherson Alternative Center.

Smith took the assistant principal position at the beginning of the year with the understanding that he may not be asked to come back next year. Nye was asked to spend this year getting the charter school up and running, but it was decided that Nye would be given the opportunity to return to his old job next year if he wanted to.

“I didn’t plan on working at the charter school. I was approached on August 1 about being a consultant. On March 1, I will decide if I will continue with the charter school or come back as assistant principal next year. I cannot say it is my final decision that I willl return to that position,” Nye said.

Until Nye’s decision is made in March, we will not know who to expect as our assistant principal for next year. Whether or not Nye returns as the assistant principal, he will continue to keep his eye on the academy’s progress for years to come.