Coupeville Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Shank is leaving Whidbey after five years. He’s accepted a new position in Idaho. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
The dapper doctor entertains CHS Principal Duane Baumann (left) and Athletic Director Willie Smith.
Dr. Shank and daughter Ashlie hang out at a game.
Elvis is leaving the building.
Dr. Jim Shank, the pride of Wolf Nation, is leaving the Coupeville School District.
The best Superintendent this cow town has seen in my memory is moving on and moving up, leaving Whidbey for Burley, Idaho.
The Cassia County School Board, which is replacing retiring Superintendent Gaylen Smyer, officially offered Dr. Shank the position Monday at a board meeting.
After being selected from a field of three finalists, Shank will start his new position July 1.
His departure will also cost the Wolves an athlete, as youngest daughter Ashlie, a basketball and track star, is currently a junior.
Dr. Shank has been the head honcho in Coupeville for five years, during which time he has been front and center as the district has made numerous improvements.
Just from a sports standpoint, his tenure has produced a laundry list of great new additions.
A new track oval and facilities, new bleachers in the gym, a new stadium at Mickey Clark Field, and that’s just the start.
The dapper Dr. Shank always found time to make an appearance at nearly every sports event played at Coupeville High School, and, while there, was willing to take time to talk to anyone with concerns or questions.
On a personal note, he was hugely instrumental in helping my push to create and install the Wall of Fame in the CHS gym.
If you’re expecting an impartial story here, I’m sure the News-Times will have one soon.
I, on the other hand, am a devoted Shankaholic, and hope people realize how much he has done for this town, and these schools.
The man worked his rear off, knew when to glad-hand and when to stand firm, and will leave our schools in far better condition than he found them in.
Cassia County is getting a great Superintendent and a better man.
With that comes wife Sallie, and their family, who were all great additions to our community.
Three of their six children – Matt, Brian and Ashlie – attended Coupeville schools, and all were athletes who delivered big moments while also shining as students and people.
If I had to choose one word for the Shanks, it is this – class.
They will all be missed, and I, like many others, wish Dr. Shank and his family all the best as they tackle new adventures.
To see the official word from Cassia Schools, pop over to:
Leave a Reply