Alexander brings experience, knowledge to Hinton school

Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander will ride into Hinton on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle next week as new superintendent of the Hinton Community School.

Alexander will bring eight years of experience as a superintendent and close to 20 as a school administrator.

"I think I've a real passion for kids and the public education system," Alexander said. "I think those are some qualities I could bring to Hinton School District."

His first official day is Tuesday.

He will replace Al Steen, who left in June after 10 years as Hinton's superintendent, to pursue a position in Buckeye, Ariz.

Alexander has worked the last two years as superintendent at AHST Community School District, which represents the Iowa towns of Avoca, Hancock, Shelby and Tennant.

When the position in Hinton opened, Alexander saw it as a "natural fit."

"Professionally it was an opportunity to possibly build another school. I just got done building an elementary school down at AHST," Alexander said. "I enjoyed that experience and I look forward to doing that again here."

That knowledge is also one of the reasons the Hinton Community School Board thought Alexander would be a good match, said Robert Held, board president.

"He has been through a building project very similar to the one we're going through right now," Held said. "He's familiar with the budget constraints, dealing with the architect, the engineers; the full well-rounded experience with the building project."

Held said Alexander's years working in Iowa were also a huge selling point.

"Being a superintendent in Iowa is pretty important because it would give him experience in Iowa school finance and Iowa core curriculum standards," Held said.

Alexander's background also makes him a good choice for Hinton.

"He is a farm boy and that will fit in very well with our district. We are primarily an agricultural district," Held said. "He originally was from the Smithland and Sloan area so he's familiar with northwest Iowa."

In addition to the professional benefits, Alexander said he also chose Hinton to be closer to his mom, who still lives in Smithland, which is 35 miles south of Sioux City.

Alexander grew up on a farm in Smithland and took his love of farming to college earning a degree in education from Iowa State University and then teaching vocational agriculture.

"It was a great experience and I enjoyed it," Alexander said.

But his quest for knowledge continued so he returned to school and graduated with a master's degree in education administration.

Then he obtained his principal's certification followed by his superintendent's certification.

Alexander still wanted more and continued into a doctoral program.

"I think you just continue your education," Alexander said. "You never stop."

That knowledge is something he plans to bring to Hinton Community School, which he has been familiar with since his high school basketball team played Hinton in the 1970s.

"I've been around Hinton off and on the last 30 years," Alexander said. "I have a pretty good indication of what the community is like."

In his free time, Alexander, who has three sons, rides his Harley, visits his two grandsons, who live in the Omaha area, and spends time boating on the river.

"This is the first year in seven years I'm not going to Sturgis because I'm starting a new job and it takes precedence over Sturgis, believe it or not," Alexander said with a grin.