Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

3/16/07

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors
to Honor Staff Member Bob Jones

The Auburn School District Board of Directors will recognize Bob Jones, Auburn High School’s activities and athletic coordinator, for his outstanding service to the Auburn School District on Monday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

In over 26 years of service to the district, Auburn High School’s activities and athletic coordinator Bob Jones cannot remember a time he was enjoying life and work more than he is now. “This position is the best job in the whole district because I deal with people on a positive basis every day.”

Bob Jones began his tenure at Auburn High School in 1981 as a biology, chemistry and health teacher, and assistant football coach. In 1990 he was promoted to head football coach. Three years later he switched from the classroom to try his hand at the activities and athletic coordinator position. “When I was both the head football coach and the activities and athletic coordinator it felt like football season year-round!” Then in 2001, after 12 seasons as head football coach, Bob resigned his post to be able to watch his two sons and one daughter compete in their respective sports. Bob misses coaching and Friday nights, but he is overjoyed to be able to support his children on and off the field. He is also able to target his energy to the demands of the activities and athletic coordinator role including managing all campus activities, clubs and athletic programs. In other words, Bob is the go-to man for issues from gym space to travel to fundraising to volunteers. He is also in charge of facilities such as the pool and stadium. “I like to support people and help people find solutions to their problems,” remarks Bob.

What some people may not know is Bob is the longest-standing teacher or administrator at Auburn High School. “I get asked historical questions a lot; it is kind of a fun role to have even though it makes me feel my age,” chuckles Bob. “Being part of a high school with so many years of tradition is special. I’m glad I can be that someone who can help carry the traditions on and remind people why we do what we do.” One of Bob’s more endearing traditions is the Taylor trophy—a football rivalry between Auburn High and Kent-Meridian High dating back to 1908. Bob knows the results and stats from all past games and exuberantly tells the story of how Dr. Owen Taylor created the trophy presentation in 1929. Traditions like these Bob is passionate about and believes are the nuggets that make his job so special.

Bob’s impact is felt not only among staff but particularly among students. He is the reason pep assemblies, dances, homecomings, playoff games, regular season games, club meetings and the like go off without a hitch. He is also a ready and willing volunteer at many of the students’ activities. “I’ve tried just about everything, like being hit in the face with pies to help our students raise money,” says Bob. “It’s fun stuff when my job is to say yes and to help the kids in whatever capacity possible find something that fits with what they want to do.” Bob’s job also comes with some unique perks—like meeting famous athletes and coaches, and traveling with Auburn High teams to Safeco and other professional venues.

Professionally Bob is involved in many activities outside the high school including his membership in the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and the Washington State Coaches Association (WSCA). Last year WASA presented Bob with a special service award for his role in passing a statewide wrestling amendment. Bob has also been recognized nationally for his leadership and dedication to the sport of football. In 2001 he received the National Football Foundation’s Tony Gasparovich Memorial Coach Award. Additionally, Bob annually volunteers to manage the facilities for the Auburn Relay for Life event, and he was a member of the Auburn Parks and Rec board for four years.

Bob may have stumbled upon his job 26 years ago—he had never been to Auburn High until the day he got hired—however, Bob is not the newbie anymore. Rather, he has become a part of Auburn High’s tradition and history himself.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at (253) 931-4713.