From the classroom to a career, the relationship between teacher and student comes full circle

RJ Hartwell and Jodi May have known each other for a long time; since RJ was in second grade and May was his teacher. Now, as Hartwell celebrates a new title within Jordan-Elbridge Central School District, it’s May who helped him get there.

“The world really isn’t that big of a place when you get down to it,” said Hartwell.

Hartwell is the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance at JECSD. He started as a teacher, and then became principal of Elbridge Elementary, and finally was the School Business Administrator, all ahead of this new position. The one person who was with him each step of the way, from shaping his childhood education to his career, is Jodi May.

“It’s rewarding to have this kind of homecoming back to my small town, where my kids are now going to school, and be able to work with her in a different capacity,” explained Hartwell.

Not only was May Hartwell’s second grade teacher, she was on the interview committee when Hartwell was hired as principal at Elbridge Elementary. When she retired from teaching, May was elected to serve on the Board of Education. As a board member, May had a hand in approving Hartwell to his latest position with the district.

“Professionally, I’m back where I started, and it’s so memorable to have someone as influential as Jodi May help shape my career,” added Hartwell.

In his new role as Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, Hartwell will work closely with departments such as transportation, technology and buildings and grounds to make sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes, so that the focus can be on creating the best learning environment for students.