She admitted that would be her choice when asked every time – “Kids are my wheelhouse,” she said.

With her office a revolving door for her young charges throughout the day, Sharshan isn’t your grandmother’s school principal that you feared to darken her doorstep.

Since stepping into the administrative role more than two decades ago, she was determined that she still would have that personal interaction she enjoyed as a kindergarten teacher.

Sharshan started 32 years ago at Joshua Dixon as a half-day kindergarten teacher, eventually transitioning to a full-day kindergarten teacher.

Joshua Dixon Elementary School third-grade student Alex Kachelries drops by his principal Dr. Kim Sharshan’s office to pick up yet another sticker for an incentive earned at week’s end upon completion from her treasure chest. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Sharshan said she remembers that each career change stretched her professionally and personally, challenging her to “learn, adapt and grow,” much like her young charges.

Currently there are a half-dozen students that “check in” with her, so she can see how their week is progressing.

It seems less like a chore to earn prizes from her beloved treasure chest and more like an enjoyable visit with a friend.

Sharshan takes that effort to stay connected with her school’s students a step further.

“Relationship building is key,” she explained. “Until you do that, I don’t see how a child will be able to learn well.”

Two of Columbiana school district’s top administrators celebrate PBIS-Pax Pancakes Day with the Joshua Dixon Elementary School’s Principal Advisory Committee. Columbiana district superintendent Dr. Don Mook and Joshua Dixon school principal Dr. Kim Sharshan (also assistant superintendent) stand behind committee members, pictured from left, Hank Irwin, Braden Gustafson, Nico DeMaiolo, Maddox Rust, Ellie Carvelli, Taya Pike and Piper Vennetti. (Submitted photo)

Sharshan has a Principal’s Advisory Committee, which consists of elected fourth-grade students with whom she consults monthly about school culture issues and to help her plan PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support) rewards.

She said she believes much of her role is to let Columbiana families and their children know she is there to protect them while they are in her care.

It is a responsibility that she takes super seriously.

“I have the blessing of serving ‘the kids of kids,’ teaching and guiding the children of former students.” Sharshan added.

“God, family and job” is her approach to the community-minded administrator who also co-founded the Shaker Woods Helping Hands 501(c)3 non-profit organization to support charitable causes throughout Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

“Our primary goal is to uplift and empower those in need through a variety of initiatives aimed at improving lives and creating opportunities,” the non-profit’s website explains.

The charity was created to support families and foster unity.

Sharshan also has served on the city of Columbiana’s Civil Service Commission and previously on the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce board for 14 years.

Her caretaker nature extends to serving as a trainer for the Columbiana County’s Handle With Care effort as well as possessing her CDL, enabling her to drive school bus at Columbiana in case needed.

She was one of the first school administrators to sign up to achieve the task last school year when the district struggled with bus driver shortages.

Married to Eddie, a retired Campbell police officer, she shares three daughters and five grandchildren with him.

“Witnessing multiple generations walk through the doors of Joshua Dixon is a gift that humbles me daily,” she concluded, adding “It is a powerful reminder that education is not just about lessons and standards but relationships, legacy and community.”