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Joe Jeswald reflects on 35-year career in Girard schools
By LINDA M. LINONIS
girard
Joe Jeswald spent his 35-year career in education at Girard City Schools and wouldn’t have it any other way.
He learned about the district from many angles — as a teacher, football coach, coordinator of student services and high-school principal.
His lengthy career ends July 29, his last day as superintendent and the beginning of his retirement. But it won’t be the end of his affiliation with the school district he loves as he plans to return as a volunteer.
Jeswald said coming up through the ranks to the leadership position in the district gave him a unique perspective. “I knew the staff and students and many families,” he said. “Teamwork is so important. ... It’s what I stress to students.”
And Jeswald doesn’t just pay lip service to teamwork. That’s evident as he talks about accomplishments in the district and uses the word “we” to describe how they evolved.
“I’ve always tried to do what’s right,” he said. “You can talk about that all the time, but you have to do more than talk. ... If the kids don’t see you doing what you talk about, it’s not meaningful.”
Having said that, it’s not surprising that Jeswald admitted he got into teaching because he wanted to coach. He played middle guard (now nose tackle) while a student at Ursuline High School. “That was an extra 40 pounds ago,” he said.
Jeswald said he enjoyed working with students in the classroom and on the football field. He was thrilled when the team made the 1991 Ohio High School Athletic Association playoffs for the first time in school history.
He takes pride in knowing he played a role in the district’s being named excellent by the Ohio Department of Education and a designation by U.S. News and World Report in 2009 as one of the nation’s best high schools. He was at the helm when the new $26 million junior/ senior high school was built. He described it as a “21st-century learning center.”
Jeswald said a blend of academics, extracurricular activities, sports and volunteering in the community combine to produce well-rounded students. “We talk to students all the time about the importance of service to others,” he said. “Academics are important as part of a whole person.”
He noted examples such as Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Poorest of the Poor clothing collection and Gift of a Lifetime that involves buying gifts for community residents during the Christmas season. “We have tremendous support from staff, students and community,” Jeswald said of the participation and caring.
“It’s these kinds of activities that show students that they can make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
As for academics, Jeswald will share the credit in innovations such as STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — curriculums, college and dual- credit courses through Youngstown and Kent state universities and the Lego League. “Students need 21st-century skills,” he said.
In years past, teachers taught facts and students repeated them back. Learning has changed to keep pace with the times, he said, adding that it’s now “inquiry based.” “A good teacher leads students to where they need to be,” he said.
Jeswald said STEM and the robotics programs develop creative and critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills, qualities that make well-versed students and community residents.
Along those lines, Jeswald said a “fab lab” is on the horizon in the district. Students will be able to “actually make things” using technology and computer skills. This emerging technology and manufacturing curriculum is projected for the 2012-13 school year. Girard will partner with YSU, KSU, community supporters and local businesses in this new endeavor.
Jeswald also saw the installation of a new softball field and multipurpose building.
Financial challenges face Girard and other Ohio school districts because of changes at the state level. But, he noted, the V&M Star project will benefit the community and schools.
As he transitions to retirement, Jeswald said he’ll travel with his wife, Marcia, and pursue his woodworking hobby. He leaves a strong administrative team in place and credited his secretary, Phyllis Zaleski, with “making it all happen” at the office.