When Josh Martin first arrived at Mount Olive Schools in 2009, he wasn’t thinking about administration. He was a middle school PE and health teacher, passionate about helping students develop healthy habits. But from the very beginning, Martin saw education as something bigger than just his subject area. He saw it as a landscape where every piece—every lesson, every teacher, every moment of connection—was part of a larger system shaping the future of young people.

That perspective, and the mentorship of sixth-grade social studies and English teacher Karen Gall, changed everything. “Karen saw that I was interested in more than just PE and health,” Martin recalls. “She helped me look at education from a broader lens—how every subject connects, how we support students holistically, and how leadership isn’t just about making decisions, but about empowering others.”

That mindset guided Martin through his years at Mount Olive, as he took on new roles: teaching driver’s education, splitting time between middle and high school, and eventually stepping into administration. His journey wasn’t a straight path—he served as a student support coordinator, then as the high school’s dean of students before being hired as a head administrator. Each role gave him a deeper understanding of the school as a whole.

Now, as principal, Martin sees himself not just as a leader, but as a builder—of bridges, of culture, of systems that strengthen the foundation of Mount Olive High School.

A Principal’s Role: More Than Just a Title
The principal’s office can seem like a distant place, a space occupied by a leader whose role is largely unseen. But Martin doesn’t believe in leadership from a distance. “People think of the principal as ‘the leader,’” he says. “But I see it differently. I believe that everyone in a school is a leader in some way. My job is to support teachers in leading their classrooms, students in leading their own growth, and the whole school in working together toward something bigger.”

He describes his role as the “connective tissue” that brings people and ideas together. “Sometimes I’m building bridges between students and teachers. Sometimes I’m looking at the big picture, thinking about how decisions we make today will impact students five, ten years down the road,” he explains. “And sometimes, I’m just making sure we’re learning from the past so we’re not repeating mistakes.”

That philosophy is evident in the way he approaches his team. “I don’t ask my teachers to do anything I wouldn’t do myself,” he says. “I’ll step into a classroom, I’ll help out wherever I can. I want them to know I’m here with them, not above them.”

Expanding Student Pathways
One of Martin’s biggest priorities as principal has been expanding student opportunities through specialized career pathways. Under his leadership, Mount Olive High School has developed multiple tracks that provide students with hands-on experience, industry connections, and clear post-graduation directions.

College Preparation Pathway: Students who plan to pursue a four-year degree have access to rigorous coursework, including AP and dual-credit classes in partnership with Lincoln Land Community College. “We want to make sure students are entering college with not just confidence, but also with credits under their belt,” Martin says. “Every dual-credit course they complete is one less they have to pay for in college.”

Skilled Trades Pathway: Recognizing the increasing demand for skilled labor, Mount Olive has strengthened its vocational training offerings. Students interested in trades like welding, automotive technology, and industrial machining can take part in hands-on coursework and apprenticeships. “Not every student needs a four-year degree to be successful,” Martin notes. “The trades offer some of the best career opportunities out there, and we want our students to be ready for them.”

Healthcare Pathway: With an increasing need for medical professionals, Mount Olive now offers coursework in healthcare fundamentals, nursing, and emergency medical response. The program partners with local hospitals and first responders, allowing students to gain real-world experience. “A lot of our students have gone on to work in nursing, paramedics, and other medical fields,” Martin says. “The earlier they can get exposure, the better prepared they’ll be.”

Business and Entrepreneurship Pathway: Designed for students who see themselves launching a business or leading in corporate environments, this pathway includes business management courses, financial literacy, and participation in the Macoupin County CEO program. “The CEO program has been a game-changer for students,” Martin says. “It’s showing them that they can start building their careers now, not years down the line.”

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Pathway: Through a collaboration with Raymond High School, students interested in agriculture can take courses in agribusiness, animal science, and sustainable farming. “For a rural community like ours, agriculture isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life,” Martin says. “Giving students access to this field ensures they can build careers right here at home.”

A Culture That Embraces Growth and Innovation
Martin’s vision for Mount Olive High School isn’t just about preparing students for the workforce—it’s about creating an environment where they can explore, innovate, and find their passions.

“We have science and art teachers working together on projects where students study anatomy in one class and bring it to life through drawings in another. We’ve had English classes incorporate cooking projects. Education isn’t rigid—it’s fluid, and the more we collaborate, the better we reach students.”

Students who earn dual credit through Lincoln Land Community College now wear special cords at graduation, and seniors leave their mark by painting commemorative bricks, each one reflecting their unique high school journey.

Looking to the Future
As Martin reflects on his first full year as principal, he is proud of what has been built but is far from finished. “This year has been about laying groundwork, making sure our systems are stable. But now that those foundations are set, I think the sky’s the limit,” he says. “We’re excited about what we have today, but we’re always looking ahead, asking, ‘What’s next? How do we keep getting better?’”

For Mount Olive students, those answers are coming into focus—one pathway at a time.