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Mr. Jay Waller
Superintendent
Hello, my name is Jay Waller; I am the Superintendent of the Ira school district. My wife Karen, daughter Kaci and I have spent the past ten years in this community as an educator, small farmer and rancher, student, business person but most of all we are here because we love being part of this community. This is a great place to be.
We have a great faculty and staff at Ira. We work hard to promote education and respect for one another. I have learned from our teachers that we all care for the safety and well being for all students and want to enhance the learning environment.
I grew up in a rural community in Floyd and Crosby counties in Texas. My mother and dad were both in the education field as well as farmers and ranchers. We loved the work ethic western life rewards those who work with goals in place. My granddad and dad always placed the ole “Code of the West” in my heart and disciplined me along those codes.
The code goes something like this:
THE COWBOY CODE
A cowboy’s word is his sacred bond—
Bargains sealed with a handshake are more binding than legal documents--
Be loyal to the boss and brand—
Be thankful for your job—
Lay down your life if necessary for the privilege of defending your outfit—
Be proud of your occupation—
Be cheerful—
Grant quick assistance to a friend and stranger in need—
Endure hardships without complaining—
Don’t make excuses—
Try to be better than the other fella—
Share anything you own with a fellow worker—
Demand square dealings—
Never tolerate cowards—
Be generous with you life and money—
Treat women like ladies—
Stealing and rustling are evil wrong doings—
Do your best—
Never quit—
If it is not your, don’t take it.
If it is not true, don’t say it.
If it is not right don’t do it.
The Cowboy Code
I have no doubt that without their discipline and my mother’s tender heart life for me would be very different. I love them dearly as well as my brother and his family.
I taught in the agricultural sciences departments for twenty one years. I taught in Lubbock Cooper for five years, Slaton for ten years and six years at Ira as agriculture science teacher before moving to the Principals position for the past two and one half years. I earned an Associates Degree in Arts and Science in Ranch and Feedlot management from Clarendon College. I really enjoyed the college and working on some of the biggest ranches in the US. After graduation I transferred to Texas Tech University and earned my B.S. in agricultural-education and worked on my Master’s Degree in that college. I quickly learned the demands of a graduate and decided it was time to go to work. Once I left Texas Tech, I started teaching and found a very rewarding profession. I earned from Sul Ross State University my Master’s Degree in Education and certification in Administration.
In closing there are two very important men in my career the first is Mr. Don Mitchell a partner teachers who instilled that to be average doesn't have to be everyone’s dream, so don’t be like everyone. He taught me to be better than what I thought I could and make bigger steps towards being a better person.
Second is Dr. Skip Casey. He taught me that if you say it you had better mean it and be able to back it up because someone won’t forget it. I won’t forget his leadership. Gentlemen thanks.
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