G9’s Bio:
July 13, 1948 - Born calm and collected in Princeton, West Virginia
[Not far from the holler; family died-in-the-wool Democrats.]
June, 1960 - Moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona (Dad stationed in Tucson during WWII)
[Stayed up way past bedtime to see JFK be elected President – loved it!]
June, 1966 - Graduated from Buena High School
[No big honors here, but lots of fun. Many good teachers – best and toughest was Mrs. Hall, Senior English.]
July, 1966 - Enlisted in the U.S. Navy
[Joined on buddy plan with Mark and Tom. Buddy plan lasted all the way through boot camp – such a great deal.]
1966-1969- Stationed on the U.S.S. Mount McKinley, San Diego
[Saw some great SE Asian ports in Vietnam. In retrospect, this is where I really grew up, but didn’t know it at the time.]
1968 - Registered Democrat
[Being a young serviceman, I didn’t understand the value of Hubert Humphrey, and I put a bumper sticker on
my car “Democrats for Nixon” (I never said I was always right). Soon changed to Republican.]
1969-1973- Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science in Education
[Attended NAU thanks to the G.I. Bill. Married (Karen), daughter (Jodi) – who still has me wrapped around
her little finger! Highlight of graduating was knowing I didn’t have to work any more graveyard shifts at
the Americana.]
1973 - Birth of Daughter, Jodi
[She still has me wrapped around her little finger!]
1975 - Birth of Son, Scott
[Scott was born just prior to a football game. At first I was led to believe he was a girl – good one – really got me!
I was just tickled he was healthy.]
1973-1976- Show Low High School – Math Teacher, Coach and Athletic Director
[Great experience in cutting my administrative teeth. Realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I did, but
found out I sure loved the kids.]
1976 - Summer Family Reunion in Peterstown, West Virginia
[Cousin Scott took me to Democratic Party Headquarters (similar to an Elks Club). As we left, he asked
“Are you a bleeping Republican?” When I said yes, he replied “Your PaPaw will be rolling over in his grave.”]
1976-1980- Wickenburg High School – Math Teacher, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, High School Principal
[Learned a ton here. Experienced my first real success as an administrator. Also found out I was still
wet behind the ears.]
1980-1985- Farming in Eastern New Mexico/West Texas
[When Paul Harvey became my best friend, I spent most of the day in a tractor, farming. Missed Arizona,
so decided to move back. Apache Junction then became my home. I was active in the church and was selected
to be an elder. I managed a mobile home park there, improved it, worked as a business broker and dabbled
with development. Great money, but I didn’t like it. Decided to apply for my doctorate the summer of ‘85
and get back into Education. Took GRE in Flagstaff, attended an all-star basketball game at night, and had
two job offers within a week.]
1985-1998- Apache Junction Junior High, Desert Shadows Middle School (school changed names) – Principal
[Being a Principal at this site was probably the most rewarding job I have ever had. Was a North Central
Association State Committee Member for approximately seven years while there. Together, the teachers,
secretaries, custodians, aides, and administrators built a great school we were all proud of. I still see some
of those kids (now adults) almost every week.]
1993 - Purchased RV Park with wife and daughter
[Great folks from all over the U.S. and Canada stayed, and couldn't wait to pay their rent. Expanded and
improved the park - really enjoyed it!]
1998-2005 - Apache Junction Unified School District - Associate Superintendent
[Great job! Responsible for the academic side of the district while boss took care of the politics. Improved
curriculum, won technology award for having one of the six best tech plans in the U.S., and improved student
achievement district-wide. Led the development of the TRIAGE program, which is the best single program
for kids I was ever involved in. It was the great teachers who made all the difference!]
2001 - Took-up Running
[After divorcing in 1999, I started running with a friend of mine, Martin. Over refreshments, Martin and I
discussed stating a race in the East Valley. That was the beginning of the Lost Dutchman Marathon, now
considered to be one of the 10 best small marathons in the U.S. - thanks to Jodi, Grady, Bev, Terry, and a
host of others.]
2002 - Remarried to Debra at Lake Powell in Navajo County
[Spent a week at Lake Powell. Whoa baby, it was great! Sold the R.V. park and opened a restaurant against
all advice -- I said no; Deb and Jodi said yes. What wives and daughters want, they get. They were right; I was
wrong. The restaurant is still going strong after 6+ years.]
2005-2006 - Retired from Apache Junction Unified School District
[Always wanted to build a house, and I did. Never want to do it again, and want to forget all that I did - but love
the house. Ran the restaurant for about a year - made me appreciate school business.]
2007-2009 - Florence Unified School District #1 - Superintendent
[FUSD called in early March and said they needed a new Superintendent. I began in mid-March. We now have
great leadership in all schools and departments. We passed a capital override, school achievement scores are up,
morale is up, we have a sound KIDS FIRST educational plan in place, along with a cohesive Board. Without all
of this, none of our successes would have occurred.]
June, 2009 - Candidate for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction
[After a 30 year career where I've always kept a low profile, I'm running as a Republican. My PaPaw surely just
did a 360, but deep down I think he's proud of me. I sure hope so!]
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