Ten Questions with Jay Ehler, Superintendent, Sidney Public Schools

Jay Ehler has served as a history teacher, a basketball coach and--for six years--principal at Sidney High School. In April of 2012 he accepted the position of Superintendent, stepping down as head coach of the Raiders boys team at the same time.

He is thoroughly familiar with life in the Nebraska panhandle. As a student-athlete at Scottsbluff High School, he set a school record scoring 50 points in a basketball game--a mark that still stands. Before coming to Sidney, Ehler taught for the Gering and Bayard school districts.

Ehler's wife serves as principal at West Elementary School. Their children, Alli and Paxton, are both active in high school sports.

1. Why go into education?

Most people go into it for a few reasons, and it's definitely not money. I wanted to coach. In general, teachers teach because they love kids. There's not much that can be more rewarding in life than watching kids be successful.

2. What is the job of a superintendent?

The first thing I would say is you do whatever comes through the door that day. I have a list of things to do, but you do what comes through the door. I like it-it's always exciting. The difference between a superintendent and a principal is the variety of things you have your hand in.

3. When you walk through the halls, do your kids avoid you?

[Laughing] No.

4. Do you miss the classroom?

The thing I miss is that you build special bonds with the kids when you see them every day. I was a history teacher-American History-for most of my career. You develop a bond with every student that comes in. It the same in coaching those kids you spend hours with every day.

5. What is it like to have a high school record in your name?

It's not something I think about very often, but it's a neat thing. It's nice to have good memories, but that's all it is-a memory. I can always hold it over Paxton.

6. What is it like watching Paxton play basketball? Do the old coaching instincts kick in?

When I'm sitting in the stands I just enjoy it. I still think like a coach, but I try to keep my opinions to myself. At home he's probably tired of me harping on him-'you need to play better defense.'"

7. Who is going to win the Super Bowl?

I'm going to pick the Denver Broncos. Seattle is tough, but this is Manning's year.

8. Do you ever eat the school lunch?

On occasion. Chicken fried steak is definitely my favorite. When chicken fried steak day comes, Mr. Brockhaus, our activities director, sends out a text letting us know what day it is. We all get excited.

9. Any other guilty pleasures?

It probably is going to be pop. Pepsi and Coke-I don't have a preference. I have to control the amount I drink.

10. Would you rather have office space in one of the schools?

[Note: the superintendent is housed in a building by the football field]

There are times I miss being around the kids. That might create more fun. But at the same time, I often have a long to do list. Sometimes I can get through it better in this position.