Cascade’s Josh Hurley — Helping Students Thrive

Josh Hurley, dean of students at Cascade School District in Valley County, Idaho, has a diverse career background in law enforcement, pastoral work, and education. Recognizing the significant impact of external factors on student performance and attendance, Hurley and the school district sought to support students better through the Community Schools approach. This strategy involves partnering with various services to help students and families thrive.

With a grant from the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools, the district launched as a community school and hired a coordinator. Hurley, also the school’s basketball coach, took on the role of Community Schools coordinator, focusing on addressing families’ and students’ needs to strengthen the community.

The district offers various programs and services, including preschool, after-school programming, onsite behavioral health services, a recreation center, and connections to food pantries and local churches. Hurley emphasizes the importance of the family unit in building a solid community and listens to community needs to guide the school’s offerings.

Additionally, Hurley helped establish the “Cascade Game Changer” teen center, which aims to provide mentorship and prepare students for careers, addressing local workforce shortages. The center, run by a teen advisory board, seeks to create a culture of mentorship and volunteerism.

Hurley believes Community Schools play a crucial role in ensuring every child receives a free and fair public education as mandated by the Idaho Constitution. He advocates for community collaboration to provide the necessary resources for student success inside and outside the classroom.

Read more courtesy of Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation.