Lyon superintendent on mission to steer schools in right direction

Miracles happen every day in Lyon County’s classrooms, new Superintendent Tim Logan said.

“That is amazing that a teacher can take the highest (performing) kid in a class and progress them with a struggling kid with the lowest score,” he said. “Every kid should have growth in every classroom. I don’t think it’s always been that way.”

Although he referred to changes in differentiated instruction, Logan said the tools and professional development available to teachers now and the ability to reach children are helping to create positive changes within the Lyon County School District. He’s worked long enough as a teacher and administrator to see students learning how to read or overcome personal challenges or fears many adults struggle with later in life.

Now he’ll apply his educational experience as LCSD’s top executive after entering the role in July. Logan is already well established in the district, having worked as deputy superintendent since July 2018. Prior to that, he came from Dayton High School as principal, assistant principal and athletic director. At heart, he still considers himself a math teacher. He got his start in the profession in middle school in Utah.

Logan said his district priorities will be in student achievement, especially with increasing reading skills.

“As far as where my vision is, I want to be able to carry on the great work that’s already going on,” Logan said. “The district’s already heading in an amazing direction, so we don’t need to make large changes.”

This year, Lyon will see the implementation of five new curriculums within its schools to support learning in classrooms. According to the Nevada Report Card website, English language arts proficiency ratings for Lyon in 2022-23 — the most recent state test data available — were 33.5% in high school, 26.6% in middle school and 30.8% in elementary school.

The district also continues its hiring process to fill vacancies, which as of early August, had about 21 open certified teaching positions, 19 special education positions and one school psychologist still open, according to human resources, Logan said. Efforts include reaching out through the media and posting jobs on social media, he said.

“We’re trying to make sure we have staff in front of our kids,” he said. “We definitely have that challenge going on right now. We’re always encouraging people to apply and be a part of the team. It’s great to be here and help mold the future.”

Mental health for students and providing access to solutions as well as its aging buildings and facilities will be top of mind as well, he said. Most of the district’s schools are older and the county continues to grow. The school board hears regular updates from staff on its five-year capital improvement plan but much of its original, first-generation technology in classrooms and offices remains outdated.

“We’ve got to get buildings to where they have modern education needs for the modern student,” he said. “That’s not counting the air conditioning and doors.”

Addressing the schools’ chronic absenteeism rate is a concern this year, Logan added. Nevada’s overall rate during the 2022-23 year was 34.9% while Lyon was slightly higher at 38.1%. The Nevada Department of Education has not released its latest data for 2023-24.

Logan is hopeful he’ll be able to make a case for more funding for his rural schools in the upcoming Nevada Legislature, even if it will be a new arena speaking on behalf of the district and its most pressing concerns.

Logan grew up in Minden and graduated from Douglas High School and looks to use his local perspective to his advantage.

“I’m a Nevadan through and through,” he said. “I love and breathe Nevada. I there’s going to be that advantage of having that background information and knowing I want to see Nevada succeed. Legislative years are hard. I really do think the legislators are trying to do right by kids and work with groups.”

He said he looked forward to partnering with other district superintendents to accomplishing more for all students.

“I presented a couple of weeks back to one of the legislative subcommittees and just talked to them about career and technical education and work-based learning programs,” he said. “I hope that they feel comfortable asking one of their superintendents if they have questions. (The superintendents) don’t have to be an expert but we’re here to provide insights or thoughts or opinions. We’re here for them, but we also need to educate them and speak up.”

He also is eager to welcome back students, staff and families for school Sept. 3.

“We truly are excited for kids and staff and the community coming together here and enjoying our last days of summer,” he said.