The Jefferson City School District has announced that Chris Dawson, a JCHS graduate, will serve as its new director of community outreach and student assistance.
The new position of director of community outreach and student assistance will be responsible for addressing and resolving parent concerns about policies, procedures or staffing, overseeing the social services program, and helping with summer programming, according to the job description.
Dawson has experience as a high school math teacher, high school basketball, track and football coach and collegiate basketball coach. Most recently, Dawson has served as a national accounts manager with Bosma Enterprises, a nonprofit that is Indiana's largest statewide provider of employment and training for people who are blind or visually impaired. Dawson earned a bachelor of science in engineering management at the University of Missouri in Rolla in 1996. He is a 1989 graduate of JCHS.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Chris back to Jefferson City and to the JC Schools leadership team. He is a seasoned leader who has all the skills required to communicate, manage and operate within our team," said JC Schools Superintendent Bryan McGraw in a news release. "We are in an unprecedented time where mental health and other needs continue to change and grow rapidly. This position will be a bridge to help connect students and families with available resources within the district and the community. I have every confidence that Chris' ability to grow relationships with staff and families will lead to better district success."
"I look forward to giving back to the community I grew up in," Dawson said. "As a community-focused leader, I believe strongly in creating and maintaining an inclusive culture where teacher and student growth is recognized and celebrated. Leadership is about serving, listening and helping others reach their very best, which I will do by being a coach, cheerleader and confidante for our schools and community. I am so excited to join the JC Schools family."
Dawson's salary will be $115,000, and he will begin in April.