Robert Onelio, 42, is the new junior/senior high principal at USD 235.

“I’ve always felt it was a calling to work in education” Onelio said. “It’s rewarding to see kids grow and learn but also over the years it’s even more rewarding to see former students succeed as adults!”

A challenge as an educator is ” nothing stays the same and you must find a balance between the tried and true and the new trends that come into education. All the while keeping in mind what is best for kids.”

He is married to Abby Onelio who is  going to be working at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School as a Spanish Teacher. They have four children.

They will be commuting from their farm in Crawford County.

“As a family we are active in our church, 4H, and sports,” Onelio said. “Also, we enjoy traveling, camping, riding dirt bikes, and taking care of cows!”

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2004, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2011.

Onelio has 18 years total in the field of education in Arkansas City Public Schools: six years as a World History teacher, five years as an assistant high school principal, five years as a head elementary principal and two years as head middle school principal.