It’s not uncommon for educators to begin their careers at the district from which they graduated. Rarer, though, is finishing a nearly three-decade campaign across the state at your alma mater, …
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It’s not uncommon for educators to begin their careers at the district from which they graduated. Rarer, though, is finishing a nearly three-decade campaign across the state at your alma mater, coming full circle back home.
That is the road less traveled which Dr. Aaron Jones has chosen and had the opportunity to live out over the past 28 years in education. The Warren County R-III graduate and current assistant superintendent recently announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year.
“It’s been a fun ride,” said Jones. “It’s really about being at this point in my career where I have this opportunity. The last few years have shown that when we have an opportunity to do the things we enjoy, including those retirement years, we should take advantage of it.”
Jones began his teaching career in Lexington, Mo., before moving to the Independence School District. He returned to the east side of the state for a building administrator role at Union, before being promoted to assistant superintendent his final two years there.
Jones returned to Warren County in 2014, serving the last seven years in the district’s central office.
“It makes you proud to think that you were able to come back and help make a difference at the place that kind of started it all for you,” said Jones. “Helping the district bridge that gap between superintendents when Jill (Schowe) and I did was an important time that stands out to me.”
He has been the assistant superintendent during his time here, also filling in the role of interim superintendent with Dr. Jill Schowe while the district sought candidates for superintendent.
“We definitely appreciate Dr. Jones’ leadership he’s provided over a number of years,” said Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith. “He was a tremendous asset to me as I transitioned into this leadership role.”
Among what Jones feels are milestones for the district during his tenure are the school board deciding to move to the four-day week and helping support R-III through COVID and the many challenges that came with it.
“I feel like we’ve built a really strong administrative team while I’ve been here, and I think they’ve done a great job with hiring teachers that have helped impact the kids at the highest level,” said Jones, who decided to announce his retirement in the fall for several reasons.
“I really wanted to give the opportunity to the district to find the best possible replacement for me,” said Jones. “If you can post those positions early, the stronger candidates will be attracted to the job. I wanted to put the district in the best position possible.”
With the additional free time afforded through retirement, Jones plans to make more trips to visit his daughter, who is attending school in Florida. He also plans to play golf and travel in general.
The district posted the position in search of candidates upon Jones’ announcement and hopes to bring a nomination before the board during their January 2022 meeting.
