The Oneida County Deputies held its first quarterly meeting of 2022 on Tuesday, January 18, with about half of the members present.  After a pizza lunch, the members heard from Mr. Jon Abrams, Superintendent of Oneida School District, who explained his philosophy about schools.

Mr. Abrams used metaphors and examples to explain his job as superintendent, a position he has held for over twenty years in several school districts in Idaho and Wyoming. Growing up in Preston, he knows a lot of people in Oneida County and enjoyed talking about education.

Mr. Abrams’ philosophy is simple:  Students come first. If an educator does not have this perspective, he or she should change careers.

He said that when walking through a cow pasture, one does not have to step in every cow pie but undoubtedly will step in some. The trick is to clean up and go on, watching out for future problems.

Having worked with many, many parents, Mr. Abrams has learned that nobody can expect parents to be rational when talking about their children. Superintendents are also a lot like short-order cooks.  When flipping pancakes, there are always two sides. When talking to students, parents, teachers, or staff, superintendents have to remember that there are always two sides to a situation.

He quoted his step-father in pointing out that listening is probably the greatest skill of a superintendent. He also noted that respecting differences is very important when dealing with students, parents, and teachers of varied backgrounds.

After Mr. Abrams responded to questions from the Deputies, Sheriff Arne Jones presented his report.  He said that the Sheriff’s Office investigates approximately 60 new incidents every week and that the dispatchers receive over 1200 calls every week. For now, the Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed, but staff turnover is a constant problem.

After the Sheriff’s report, Treasurer Heidi Hubbard presented the financial report. President Jerry Thomas reminded the group that the purpose of The Deputies is to support the Sheriff’s Office in all ways possible, including dispelling rumors as well as providing funding for equipment and supplies.