The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Ien Richins as the Assistant Principal at Maple Grove Middle School.
Ien earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Utah University.
Ien has been employed by Nebo School district for 15 years, beginning as a fifth grade teacher at Taylor Elementary for six years, followed by one year at Spring Lake Elementary as a fifth grade teacher. He next served as the Title I Coordinator at Taylor Elementary for two years, and Principal of Santaquin Elementary for the past six years.
Ien received the Principal Community Leader of the Year Award in 2023.
A colleague commented, “Ien Richins possesses great leadership skills. These skills and abilities include effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, and a continual commitment to build effective collaboration and collective capacity throughout the district. He is also a master teacher. He models high work standards and has good judgment as he considers the rights and concerns of others and makes timely decisions.”
Ien believes that "Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of the fire" - By William Butler Yeats. He said, “Every day in education we have the opportunity to stoke this fire and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I am going to miss the wonderful community of Santaquin and the amazing staff at Santaquin Elementary School. I look forward to working with the wonderful community of Mapleton, and building wonderful relationships with the amazing staff at Maple Grove Middle School.”
Ien is married to Miranda and has four children. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and cooking.