Sidelight: Josh Ehn
November 01, 2023
Appears in November 2023: School Administrator.
Days before a track and
field meet in spring 2022, the usual starter couldn’t officiate, so
superintendent Josh Ehn of Iowa’s Oelwein Community
School District moved fast to fill the void. Over two days, he studied up on
the sport’s rules and received special permission to serve as official event
starter. It became more than a one-off substitution for the former University
of Northern Iowa football player. Ehn, 40, a superintendent for seven years
(and AASA member since 2017), earned certification to referee both basketball
and junior varsity football games to alleviate the critical shortage of game
officials. The added work carries its rewards. “In the capacity as a
superintendent, you’re protected by layers of principals, teachers and then
students, and you’re really far removed,” Ehn says. “As a game official, it’s
just you and them.”
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