By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Riverton High world civilization and psychology teacher Josh Ricks isn’t a stranger to South Jordan classrooms. Having taught at Bingham High and having been an intern at Elk Meadows, he is excited to return to the community as Elk Ridge Middle assistant principal. 

“I’m in touch with the South Jordan community,” he said. “I know families and kids here.” 

Ricks will replace Michelle Kilcrease, who has been appointed to be West Hills Middle assistant principal, one of several administrative changes throughout Jordan School District. 

“Middle school is my first choice,” said Ricks, who is also an avid sports fan and outdoors enthusiast. “My career has been teaching high school, and with that knowledge, I can help kids prepare for what’s ahead. Ninth grade is when report cards go on high school transcripts and count toward college entrance, so it affects what happens after high school. With this perspective, I hope I can help prepare them.” 

Ricks, who recently completed his master’s degree in educational leadership from Brigham Young University and is excited for his first administrative position, hopes to bring a sense of caring for others to the community.

“Students can suffer from depression, anxiety, bullying and more, but we need to start with caring about the kid sitting right next to you and build a community of caring,” he said. “I’ll very much miss my classroom, but I’m excited about Elk Ridge. I’ve heard great things about the school.”

In addition to Ricks, Fort Herriman Middle School teacher Michael Farnsworth will join the administrative staff at Bingham High, replacing departing Bryan Veazie, who was appointed as Copper Hills High School’s principal. 

“South Jordan is an amazing community, and Bingham High is an outstanding school,” Veazie said during his last month as assistant principal. “I’ve gained an increased capacity as a leader here. There is the value of importance for the safety, learning and comfort of our students, and the kindness, consideration and respect for one another here are qualities I will miss.” 

Copper Mountain Middle Assistant Principal Connie Bailey will replace outgoing Tim Heumann as South Jordan Middle School assistant principal. Heumann will become Fort Herriman Middle assistant principal. 

“I’ll miss the students and teachers,” said Heumann, who has been South Jordan Middle assistant principal for three years after serving Sunset Ridge Middle for 10 years. “Every school has its own characters, and the teachers here go the extra mile to help students with tests and do their best to help students succeed.” 

Heumann said he’s had fun with students from Chinese acrobatics to lip syncing last year as the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. On a more serious side, last year, he and a couple teachers introduced 4 for 4, a program designed to help students who were struggling boost their grades.

While he will miss his administrative team of Principal Sean McLeod and Assistant Principal Franco Preston, he knows their caring will help support students. 

“They will work with students to support them to do better and work with them, counseling and parents for their success,” Heumann said. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge and the excitement of meeting new people.” 

Other South Jordan administrative changes include Welby and Midas Creek elementary schools’ Assistant Principal Abram Yospe appointed as Columbia Elementary principal and Oquirrh Elementary Principal Mandy Thurman replacing Yospe. Elk Meadows and Monte Vista elementary schools’ Assistant Principal Cathryn Ford has been named assistant principal at Fox Hollow and South Jordan elementaries, so Majestic Elementary Assistant Principal Tina Susuico will replace Ford.