USSA is pleased to welcome three new members to our association. We look forward to getting to know Jim Shank, Mike McFalls, and John Hughes.
Jim Shank – Emery School District
Jim has served as a superintendent of schools for 14 years including three years in Juab School District. Prior to his current position in the Emery School District, he served in North Beach, WA, and Idaho Falls, ID. He has also worked as a special education teacher, a principal at the elementary and secondary levels, director of special education and federal programs. Each experience has been dynamic, inclusive, and focused on the success of students, staff, and advancement of the educational program. Shank earned a Doctoral degree from Idaho State University, a Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees from Brigham Young University. Jim has always enjoyed working collaboratively to achieve high levels of learning and success for all students. Service, volunteerism, and outreach have been a hallmark of his leadership. Jim is married to Sallie. She works in ITG for HCA hospitals. They have six children. Four of the six live in Utah County.
Mike McFalls – Grand School District
Mike has worked in public education for 35 years. The past twenty seven years he has served as a superintendent and an elementary and high school principal in Colorado and Texas. Prior to becoming the Grand School District superintendent, Mike was a Field Supervisory for Educational Leadership Interns at Lamar University. During his career, Mike was an Honorary Commander of the 555th Flying Training Squadron and participated in an educator exchange to Japan as a Fulbright Memorial Fund Recipient. In 2021, Mike was nominated as superintendent of the year in Colorado in 2021. Mike is married to Elizabeth, and they have four children.
John Hughes – SESC
John has worked in education for over 23 years - 13 in the classroom and ten as an elementary administrator. He grew up in Green River, Utah, and has worked in the Emery District for 20 years. He has served on numerous district and state committees, led the SESC Principal Partnership Network for the last six years, been a STEM presenter and mentor for USBE, and has a strong network with leaders throughout the state of Utah. He looks forward to serving the SESC region as the executive director. John lives in Orangeville, has a fantastic wife and seven wonderful children, and loves to be outdoors in his spare time.