Jackson Noftle finds a workplace close to home
The Royal Register News
ROYAL CITY – Jackson Noftle, the recent Royal High graduate whose story of severe medical challenges has been well chronicled, has found a place near home to start his work career.
The Royal School District board of directors approved his hiring on Aug. 24, along with numerous other new staff members.
Before anyone cries foul because he is the son of board member Michael Noftle, Superintendent Rose Search said nepotism was not an issue.
To be sure that Jackson's hiring would not create an issue, Search made an inquiry to the Washington State School Directors' Association. She said the answer came back that this would not be nepotism.
Still, Jackson's name was removed momentarily from the list of new hires set to be approved at the Aug. 24 board meeting. The board discussed his potential hiring in an executive (closed door) session before voting.
After the session, the board approved Jackson's hiring unanimously, with Michael Noftle abstaining.
Jackson applied for the position of instructional aid in the special education department. He went through the interview process, and the teacher in charge accepted him.
Search approved the teacher's recommendation, and Jackson was assigned to the self-contained special education room.
Although Jackson has his medical challenges, he was not a special education student. He took regular classes and graduated two years ago. He has stayed close to home since then.
Jackson recently finished a 1-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Columbia Basin. He has been helping coach Wiley Allred at the Royal High Knights football practices. Search welcomes him to the high school staff with wishes for success.
“When Jackson was in high school, I remember him as a kind and considerate young man,” Search said. “This was demonstrated in the way he treated his fellow classmates, especially those who had special needs.
“Royal School District is fortunate to have Jackson working as a paraprofessional in our Special Education department. He is a great asset to our schools.”