Assistant Principal Joins the Mustang Admin Team

August 4, 2014 (Independence, IA) – Josh Payton understands the power of positive influence and encouraging role models.  That’s what makes him most eager to start his new position as Assistant Principal at the Independence Community School District (ICSD) 7-12 building.

Payton, a 2000 graduate from Waterloo West, was very active in student leadership, football, track and baseball throughout high school.  He attended Iowa State University for a year where he played football and then finished his B.S. from Upper Iowa University in Education with an endorsement in social studies.  Throughout his time at college, Payton worked as a para-educator and coached football, basketball and baseball for Waterloo Schools.  He even did a stint of coaching for the Mustang baseball team in 2003 as the head 9^th grade coach and assistant varsity coach.

Payton was a special education teacher for Logan Middle School (George Washington Carver Academy) for 2 years; a special education teacher for Central Middle School for 4 years; and a PBIS Coordinatior (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) for Waterloo East, where he worked on producing positive climates, cultures and relationships, for 2 years. During this time, Josh worked on his Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa and graduated in Spring 2014.

Currently residing in Waterloo, Assistant Principal Payton and his wife, Alecia, have three children; Makenna, 15; Savanah, 8; and Jaymeson, 21 months.

Payton states, “I had my ups and downs in school and had to work hard to be successful; growing up I never saw myself in a position like this, but I had many positive mentors who helped guide me to where I am today.  Through their leadership I was able to motivate myself, continually move forward and answer the door when opportunity knocked.”   He continues by stating, “I am beyond excited to be here in Independence.  I’m eager to work with the community, students, parents and staff to make sure we are the best we can be.”

With Payton’s passion for positivity and leadership, he will be influential in helping lead the ICSD into a new era.  Feel free to contact Assistant Principal Payton at jpayton@independence.k12.ia.us or by calling (319) 334-7405.

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