Iris McGuire

Title: School Athletic Director

Job site: Kea‘au High School

Years in the HIDOE: 20 years

Years in the position: 20 years (including eight years with other additional administrative duties)

Q: Briefly describe your career path.

A: I became an athletics director in 2004. I got certified as a CMAA (Certified Master Athletic Administrator) in 2011. I have been at Kea‘au High School my entire DOE career. I also am a National Federation of State High School Associations instructor for leadership training.

Q: What are your primary duties?

A: I am responsible for all athletic activities on our campus. I am the liaison between KHS and the Big Island Interscholastic Federation and Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association. I coordinate and manage coaches, athletic trainers, student-athletes, finances, facilities and transportation. I am responsible for the well-being of every person that participates in our program, and attends our events. I build relationships, help problem solve and network to bring whatever is needed for the program to thrive. I work to develop coaches and staff to assist with student-athletes and help bridge the gap between school and community. I am the face of Cougar Athletics.

As the Ulupono program administrator, I also oversee the daily operations of our Alternative Learning Programs, Services and Supports program of 100 students, eight teachers and one counselor. I manage the discipline and assist in providing a safe alternative program. I help problem solve and develop the program for these at-promise students that include English Learners, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 504 students.

I am also responsible for performance management (Educator Effectiveness System and Performance Appraisal System) for the following groups, assisting with maintaining smooth operations and building solid relationships: counselors, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, office staff, library and tech staff.

Q: How did you get into this role?

A: I was helping the former athletics director manage the programs while as a police officer in Puna. When he left, I was asked to stay and apply. I never thought to do this. God placed me where he felt I needed to be. I am an athlete and it grew from there.

Q: Favorite part about the job?

A: Seeing kids that have gone through our program and are now thriving in the community and seeing them grow as individuals.

Q: Most challenging part about your position?

A: Financial restrictions that prevent us from providing more. 

Q: How does your role support student success?

A: By directly working with the people under my supervision, I am able to provide a solid and stable support system for all students at Kea‘au High. Through my work, we as a team are able to support the students in providing athletic and academic opportunities through both sports and experience.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering this position?

A: You have to be committed. Understand your role and expectations before taking on the position.  

Q: Fun fact?

A: I’m also a police officer with the Hawai‘i Police Department, working for the past 27 years out of the Puna District.

Are you a Hawai‘i State Department of Education employee and want to share about how your role supports student success? Please fill out this form for a chance to be featured as a future staff spotlight.