Bart Peery – Director of Secondary Education
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mr. Bart Peery as the Director of Secondary Education for Nebo School District.
Mr. Peery graduated from Payson High school and received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a master’s degree in Mathematics both from Brigham Young University. He earned his Educational Administration License from Southern Utah University.
Mr. Peery has served as the Principal of the Advanced Learning Center for the past two years. He served as Principal of Salem Hills High for 10 years, as the Principal of Payson High for three years, and as Assistant Principal for six years. Before that, he taught math, physical education, drivers education, French, and Principles of Leadership for 17 years.
Mr. Peery was selected as Utah’s Principal of the Year in 2017. In 2019, Mr. Peery received the Utah PTSA Principal of the Year. He was inducted into the Nebo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. Bart enjoyed coaching football, basketball, track, and soccer for over 25 years. He was a head football coach for 9 years.
Most recently, Mr. Peery has been heavily involved in the promotion of well-being for students and adults. He has presented at a national conference, several different state conferences, locally for schools, church groups, and online parent nights. He is a true advocate for the well-being of others.
Principal Peery said, “I'm excited to have the opportunity to support our secondary administrators, faculty, and students as we navigate our current complicated educational environment. The future is bright, and I believe that we will change the world!”
A colleague said, “Mr. Peery is an administrator who deeply cares for each individual student that is under his stewardship. He is constantly striving to be out amongst the students as often as his responsibilities allow. He makes an effort to get to know each student and lets each student know he cares.”
“Be curious, not judgmental.” stated Bart. “People, especially our students, are going through hard times. Ask questions before assuming anything. We can learn a lot from each other.”
One of Bart’s favorite quotes is by Jody Carrington, “By virtue of the profession you chose (educators), you have the capacity to change the trajectory of a life, every single day.”
Bart enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He is married to Karolyn, and they have three boys and seven grandchildren.
Jo Lynn Ford – Principal of the Advanced Learning Center (ALC)
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mrs. Jo Lynn Ford as the Principal of the Advanced Learning Center for Nebo School District.
Jo Lynn Ford served as Principal of Mapleton Junior for over three years. She served as the Assistant Principal at Spanish Fork High School for six years. Jo Lynn taught Special Education at Payson Junior, Mt. Nebo Junior, and Maple Mountain High. She served as career coordinator at Maple Mountain and Salem Hills and served as the Dean of Students for Salem Junior High.
Mrs. Ford received her bachelor’s degree in Ag-Economics from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Utah State University. Mrs. Ford received a Teaching Certification Special Education and an Educational Administrative License, both from Southern Utah University.
Jo Lynn said, “I am beyond thrilled about my new assignment and completely humbled and grateful for the opportunity. I'm looking forward to working with high school students from around the district as well as the amazing staff at the Advanced Learning Center (ALC).
A colleague said, “When working with students, Jo Lynn takes a counseling and respectful approach. Because she has been a special education teacher, career specialist, and had experience at both the high school and junior high levels, Jo Lynn draws on these years of working with students individually and seeks out possible solutions to help change behavior and increase academic success. Without a doubt, students feel comfortable working with her. Jo Lynn will bring great wisdom and personality to the Advanced Learning Center.”
Jo Lynn enjoys renovating old homes, construction projects, landscaping projects, and whatever my children need help with. She is married to Ben and reside in Payson. They have four children: Taylor, B.J., Alex, and Jake.
Jason Beardall – Principal of Landmark High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Jason Beardall as the Principal of Landmark High School for Nebo School District.
Mr. Beardall earned his bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Utah Valley University and his master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Mr. Beardall has served as Assistant Principal for Springville High for five years and served as the Dean of Students for three years. He taught health and physical education at Spanish Fork Junior for six years and was the campus supervisor at Springville High for two years. Jason served as the athletic director and PE/health department chair as well as coached basketball.
Jason is currently the 2023 Assistant Principal of the Year for Nebo School District. He was honored with the Synergy in Action Award 2017 by Springville High School and honored as a PEAK Award Winner in 2018 by Nebo School District.
A colleague said, “Jason can be trusted with the most sensitive of issues. His work ethic and desire to make a positive difference in young people’s lives is unparalleled. On numerous occasions Jason has had the ability to work with the most difficult student or parent and resolved the issue. He works fervently for the benefit of the student and sees the overall vision of how to make a school function efficiently and effectively. Jason has outstanding communication skills and is open to new ideas and practices. He has the students’ best interests at heart.”
One of Jason’s favorite quotes is by Rita Pierson: “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.”
Jason said, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the students and faculty at Landmark! I am looking forward to being a part of the great culture and environment that Landmark offers our Nebo students.”
Jason enjoys spending time with family, sports, and landscaping. He is married to Joquel, and they have five children.
Tona Graff – Principal of Mapleton Junior High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Tona Graff as the Principal of Mapleton Junior for Nebo School District.
Tona earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education and her master’s in Mathematics, both from Brigham Young University. She received her Educational Administrative License at Southern Utah University. Ms. Graff served the past four years as Assistant Principal at Springville High. Previously, she served as the Dean of Students at Payson High for two years and taught mathematics at Payson High for 23 years. She also coached basketball, softball, volleyball, and speech/debate for 20 years.
Ms. Graff received Teacher of the Year for Nebo School District in 2005 and the Most Influential Teacher for Payson High in 2007.
“I believe one of the most important things we can do as educators is to create a student centered environment where students and teachers work to develop a culture of efficacy,” stated Ms. Graff. “In other words, an environment where all students believe they can learn, and all teachers believe that they can have an impact on all of their students’ learning.”
A colleague said, “Tona is one of the most effective instructional leaders I have and the opportunity to work with. She has a quality about her that makes her stand out. Tona creates a positive, friendly culture at the high school. She builds positive relationships with our students, teachers, parents, and staff members.”
One of Ms. Graff’s favorite quotes is by Brene Brown, “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
Tona enjoys boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and traveling.
“I have loved my time at Springville High School and am proud to be a Red Devil. I have been fortunate to be able to work with a fantastic faculty, staff, and student body and appreciate all that I have learned from them,” stated Tona. “Thank you for making me a part of your community. As I move onward to Mapleton Junior High, I am excited to create new friendships and serve the community of Mapleton. I can’t wait to embrace the ideals of what it means to be a Mustang. Go Mustangs!”
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