ROAR Together: Building Idaho’s Future with Rural Communities - American Falls

In the small but mighty community of American Falls, Superintendent Randy Jensen’s four decades of leadership have transformed local education—proving that when schools uplift families, entire towns thrive.

We are excited to launch a series spotlighting our incredible community partners through the INCLUDE project. This initiative connects rural Idaho communities to expanded educational opportunities, health services, and critical resources. By highlighting these communities, we celebrate the dedicated efforts of those working to uplift, educate, and support Idaho's youth. Join us as we share a bit about the communities who are helping to ensure a brighter future for all Idahoans.

Introduction

The East Idaho region features outstanding school districts and some of the finest educators that you will find anywhere. In June 2025, we had the opportunity to meet with representatives from five of these school districts. We discussed their vision and their success in helping students excel and to reach their professional and educational goals. What stood out was the intense effort to help students in all areas of their lives. While the approach, programs and specific needs of each school may differ from one to the next, timeless principles never change. As we listened to these individuals tell their stories, we could sense the drive and the deep commitment to ensure that every student was provided with the best opportunities and resources available to reach their full potential.

Another recurring theme was the relationship between these schools and Idaho State University, as it is often the main destination for graduates who are a good fit for ISU programs and who wish to study in close proximity to their home communities. All of the staff that we spoke with emphasized the quality work ethic that their graduates learn and rely upon in these rural settings. Perseverance is a prerequisite for many students who are often first-generation college students, but who receive support and guidance from individuals like the ones we encounter in this series of articles. The staff and students at these schools are a source of pride and inspiration, and we cannot thank them enough for their generosity and authenticity as they told their stories. We wish them well as they continue their journey with their students together.

ROAR Together: Building Idaho’s Future with Rural Communities

American Falls

By Jason Kindree and Md Masud Un Nabi

In the heart of Power County, American Falls High School is more than a building, it is the soul of a resilient and deeply connected community. At its helm is Superintendent Randy Jensen, whose four-decade journey in education has shaped generations of students and transformed the American Falls School District into a model of innovation, care, and community empowerment.

Jensen began his career in American Falls and has never left. From teaching health and P.E. to serving as the principal of William Thomas Middle School for 28 years, and now leading as Superintendent, his commitment has been constant. “I have loved school my whole life,” he says. “I loved elementary, middle school, high school. I wasn’t a great student, but I had good friends, good teachers. I loved it.”

Now in his 40th year of service, Jensen was named Idaho’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year. But accolades are not what drive him. “At American Falls, it is all about the kids,” he says. Whether he is championing academic achievement, family support, or community programs, Jensen’s work is grounded in a philosophy that to help children succeed, you must also help their families. “The student’s families’ basic needs need to be taken care of,” he explains. “If we want to help our kids, we need to help their families.”

Caption: Randy Jensen, Superintendent of the American Falls School District stands tall with Bengal Pride. His innovative programs and infectious energy benefit students and families throughout the American Falls area. 

That belief led to the district’s powerful “Read, Talk, Play Every Day” campaign, which encourages early childhood literacy and development. The whole town embraced it, from senior citizens proudly wearing campaign T-shirts to local businesses promoting daily engagement with young children. “It became so much bigger than we thought,” says Jensen. “It unified the town. In a world where everything feels divided, it brought people together.”

The results are undeniable. Kindergarten readiness has increased dramatically. Once only 20% of children were prepared to start school; now, 50% are ready. End-of-year proficiency rates in kindergarten have reached 89%, nearly 20 points above the state average. Another popular literacy initiative is “Drop Everything and Read,” encouraging families to build shared reading habits at home.

American Falls is a working town with deep agricultural roots. Potatoes, wheat, corn, and sugar beets flourish across the landscape, and the nearby Lamb Weston plant produces over a million pounds of French fries a day. With a student body that is 52% Hispanic, the district reflects a diverse and dynamic community. “We have a really nice town. We have a really nice Hispanic culture,” Jensen says. “Our community works so hard and they want the best for their kids. They are so supportive and appreciative of their kids getting an education.”

Family engagement is at the heart of the school’s approach. Each month, 300 to 500 people attend family engagement nights, which include game nights and educational events. These gatherings are a vital part of the school’s relationship with the broader community. Social workers also play a key role, not only supporting students but helping to develop and uplift parents.

With a district of 1,500 students and 440 at the high school, many face economic hardship. But that has not stopped the district from launching Opportunity Community, a bold effort to break cycles of poverty. This initiative brings all necessary resources under one roof, job support, medical care, FAFSA help, food assistance, even free tax filing services, all made available through partnerships with ISU, the Pocatello Free Clinic, the Idaho Department of Labor, and AmeriCorps. The district also partners with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Trained high school students have helped over 125 residents file their taxes. “The best way to help kids is to help their families,” Jensen insists. “Contrary to what people think, people do not want handouts. They want to provide for themselves.”

That mindset of empowerment was never more evident than at a recent GED graduation, where Jensen watched a mother and father receive their diplomas while their children cheered from the front row. “I have never seen a parent as proud at a kid’s graduation as those kids were of their mom and dad,” he recalls. “That is how you help people.”

Jensen’s dedication extends to early childhood education and college readiness alike. The district’s go-on rate is among the highest in the state, with the majority of students choosing Idaho State University. “Most of our kids do not think they can afford college,” he says. “But with scholarships and support, they can. And they stay. Our kids’ college retention rates are something we are really proud of.”

He is also passionate about the evolving role of technology in education. “I always say, AI will not take your job, but somebody using AI will take your job,” Jensen explains. “AI should be like an assistant. That way, you can use it.” While teachers were initially more concerned about plagiarism, the district is working to embrace AI’s potential as a supportive tool in learning and productivity.

The district also boasts one of the nation’s top three FFA programs, a thriving arts scene, and an award-winning music department that includes a performing jazz band and an advanced sound system at the high school. From marching bands to community events like American Falls Day, held the first Saturday of August in the central city park, students are deeply embedded in the cultural life of the community.

Building the next generation of educators is also a priority. “We are trying to grow our own teachers,” Jensen says. “That’s our goal.” Through community school initiatives and partnerships with local universities, the district is developing pathways for students to return as future educators and leaders.

Caption: Students at American Falls High School can count on receiving the help they need as they make important decisions regarding their education, their career path, and the institution they will attend.

The vision for American Falls High School is not just about academics, it is about belonging. “Hopefully this is a place where parents feel welcome,” says Jensen. “This school is part of the community, and they are welcome here.”

His leadership is deeply relational, rooted in a lifetime of connection to this place. “I love the camaraderie of a small town,” he says. “If I walk a few blocks, 50 people will wave at me. There is comfort in that.”

Beyond his local work, Jensen has made a mark nationally and internationally. He served as a Fulbright Scholar in Brazil, was the 2005 NASSP National Principal of the Year, and has earned distinctions from the Idaho Ag Teachers Association, IETA, AMLE, and Idaho State University. He currently serves on numerous state and national boards, including the Governor’s K-12 Council, the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (as Chair), and the Association for Middle Level Educators Foundation.

Yet even with these honors, his focus remains the same: students and families. In every decision, every program, and every student success story, Randy Jensen’s impact on American Falls is unmistakable. “Our kids are good. Our kids are succeeding,” he says. And under his leadership, the American Falls School District continues to prove what is possible when a community, united by purpose and care, chooses to invest in its future.

About our contributors:

Md Masud Un Nabi “Shuvo” is pursuing a Doctor of Arts in Political Science at ISU. He holds an MA in Communication from ISU and both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Khulna University, Bangladesh. With a background in journalism, he is passionate about storytelling that amplifies voices, informs communities, and inspires positive change, combining academic insight with practical experience to create meaningful content.

An accomplished English language editor, educator and author, Jason Kindree brings a diverse skill set to any project he is engaged in. He is a Research Fellow in the doctoral program in the Political Science Department at Idaho State University, with a focus on Global Security and US Foreign Policy. Prior to arriving at ISU, Jason spent time overseas in South Korea teaching English as a second language. He returned to the corporate sector as a senior English editor/writer and manager of special projects. He has experience as a business and government consultant, and in developing writing workshops and conceptual frameworks for scientific government agencies and writing business plans and proposals. He is currently working on various research projects and attending academic conferences with the aim of publishing in scholarly journals in his field.