By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The Clark County School District has announced the appointment of a new principal at Grant M. Bowler Elementary School. Overton resident Kelby Robison has been hired to take over the post left vacant by long-time Principal Shawna Jessen who has retired.
Robison has been serving as Assistant Principal at Ute V. Perkins Elementary in Moapa since early 2018.
“This will be a new and exciting challenge,” Robison said. “The history and success of Grant M Bowler Elementary are second to none.”
Robison was raised in Overton, Nevada, son of the late James Robison and Larene Robison. After graduating from BYU in 2000, Robison started his teaching career at North Sevier High School in Salina, Utah.
However, he wanted to be closer to home, so he took a teaching job at Mohave High School in Las Vegas in 2002.
In 2004, Robison was able to land a job teaching science and coaching at his alma mater, Moapa Valley High School. While there, he taught all the science subjects including biology, life science, earth science, zoology, physiology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics. While there he also coached football, wrestling, and girl’s flag football.
“I absolutely loved doing those things at Moapa Valley High School,” said Robison.
In 2006, he finished a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership. But he loved teaching at MVHS so much that he didn’t decide to get into administration 2015. At that time, he accepted a position as Dean of Students at Hyde Park Academy of Science and Mathematics in Las Vegas.
“Hyde Park was a magnet middle school and I worked with amazing students, teachers, staff, and administrators,” said Robison. “This experience gave me the knowledge and confidence to accept an Assistant Principal position at Ute V. Perkins.”
Robison went on to give acclaim to Ute V. Perkins staff and employees. “The Ute V. Perkins family is the best group I have ever worked with,” he said. “I can’t brag enough about their character, work ethic, attitude, and effectiveness. I strive to be as great as they are.”
Kelby Robison is proud to return to Bowler. He was a member of the first Kindergarten class of Grant M. Bowler Elementary when it opened in 1980.
“Mrs. Davis was my teacher and she got me off on the right foot,” Robison recalled. “Years later my 5th-grade teacher, Mrs. Ora Mae May helped me so much and exemplified the spirit of education.”
In a full circle, Robison now comes home to the school that started his education and career in education.
“Our school has always been a beacon of light,” said Robison. “The current teachers, staff, parents, and students are top notch and are capable of great individual and group success.”
“This new chapter will be an exciting one for all of us,” Robison concluded. “I look forward to working with the community to continue our success.”
For information about the upcoming school year, parents may contact Grant M. Bowler Elementary at (702) 398-3233.
