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Leadership in the time of COVID-19: BHSU alum Don Lyon
Lyon says decisions had to be made quickly over the past few weeks after Gov. Noem announced the initial school closure in mid-March. As a leader, Lyon says he reached out to his staff and empowered them to make decisions, too, about what was best for their students in regards to education.
Lyon and the Spearfish School District leadership were cognizant that decisions made to protect the health of the community and flatten the curve would greatly affect every part of families’ lives. He is especially empathetic to high school seniors, and the loss they feel in missing part of their senior year.
“We’re listening and getting feedback from staff and parents. We’re in a situation we’ve never dealt with in our lifetime, but I see our leadership really coming through – the structures we’ve put into place in the past and then continuing to grow and improve,” says Lyon.
One of the easier aspects of the dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been the foundation of Spartan Pride, says Lyon.
“Spartan Pride is our motto we use in our building. Each letter stands for a different community value, and having that foundation of our values has made this much easier.”
Preparedness: Ready for learning, having what you need to accomplish your goals.
Respect: Embracing our differences, treating others as you wish to be treated.
Integrity: Doing the right thing at all times with honesty and authenticity.
Determination: A firmness of purpose in everything you do, a willingness overcome an obstacle.
Excellence: High expectations for all and in all we do and the courage to challenge for it.
In 2019, Lyon was named the State Middle School Principal of the Year. He says BHSU has the best education program in the region, and that he appreciates living in a community that benefits from the university’s emphasis on quality education. Lyon says Charley Conger and Charles Schad, former education professors at BHSU, inspired him to pursue an education career, and former BHSU head football coach Ed Niebauer gave him a chance to coach and teach, gaining experience for his career path.
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