Uintah High School Principal Christy Nerdin will move to the district office this summer to assume the newly created role of Director of Secondary Education.
Nerdin was interviewed for the position on Feb. 27. Her hiring was approved by the Uintah School Board during its business meeting Wednesday night. She will move to the district office in July as part of a reorganization of the district’s directorships, which is intended to better serve all students and staff.
“We were fortunate to have an in-district candidate who is uniquely and highly qualified for the position of Director of Secondary Education,” Uintah School District Superintendent Dr. Rick Woodford said.
“Christy has been an outstanding teacher, instructional coach, and principal,” Woodford added. “One of her strengths as an instructional leader is her ability to help others grow. She has a proven record of creating collaborative cultures that are characterized by high expectations for student learning, accountability for all, and a genuine care for kids.”
Nerdin has served as the principal at Uintah High since the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. Prior to that she was the principal at Uintah Middle School for four years, served as vice principal at UHS for two years, worked as an instructional coach for four years, was a secondary science teacher for six years, and taught at the elementary level for three years.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to be the principal of Uintah High School for the past three years,” Nerdin said. “What an incredible privilege to work with such a dedicated staff and so many dynamic students. I will miss the energy and excellence that is UHS!”
As she moves into her new role, Nerdin said she is eager for the opportunity to work with educators at the district level and in each of the secondary schools.
“Great things are happening in our schools and the future is bright,” she said. “I grew up in Vernal and I love our community and our kids. I’m excited to continue serving both.”
Nerdin will remain in place as the Uintah High’s principal for the remainder of the school year. The district will begin the search for a new UHS principal by the end of the week.
The district previously had four directorships that supervised Student Services, Curriculum, Human Resources, and Support Services. In February, the school board approved a plan to modify the responsibilities of some directors and add a fifth directorship. Moving forward, directors will be assigned to oversee Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Human Resources, Support Services, and Special Programs.
“Restructuring our leadership team is necessary if we are to fulfill our commitment as a district to provide a top-tier education for every student,” Superintendent Woodford said.
“The directors of Elementary Education and Secondary Education will be able to specialize and focus on the unique needs at their respective grade levels, which is critical because secondary curriculum and instruction are very different from elementary curriculum and instruction,” he said.
The superintendent noted that the realignment will also provide more direct leadership, support, and supervision of the district’s special education, gifted and talented, and social-emotional support programs.
Under the restructuring plan, Nerdin will serve as the Director of Secondary Education, Jayme Leyba will serve as Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Mistalyn Leis will continue to serve as Director of Human Resources, and Mindy Merrell will continue to serve as Director of Support Services.
The district is currently seeking applicants for the position of Director of Special Programs. The individual selected for this role will oversee the district’s special education, gifted and talented, adult education, and English language learner programs. They will also conduct Safe School hearings and reintegration meetings, facilitate Title IX student investigations, and oversee the district’s preschool program.
More information about the Director of Special Programs vacancy can be found at
https://www.applitrack.com/uintah/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Administration. The deadline to apply is March 19.