Meet Mr. Cortney

Francis H. Cortney (1931-2008)

Francis H. Cortney was born March 7, 1931 in Alliance, Nebraska. He was the oldest of six children born to Hugh and Helen Cortney. He met and married his wife Ruth Mora while stationed at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr. Cortney returned to Chadron, Nebraska upon discharge from the Air Force and completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education at Chadron State Teachers College. He taught, coached, and served as a school superintendent in the Western Nebraska area for nine years before moving to Clark County in 1964.

Mr. Cortney taught at J.D. Smith JHS two years before being named principal at Jim Bridger JHS, where he served from 1966-1972. He was appointed to open the new Clare W. Woodbury JHS in 1972 and served there until 1981. He then served two years as principal of James Cashman JHS and six at North Ninth before retiring in 1984.

Mr. Cortney’s career with the Clark County School District was dedicated to students in the middle years. Working with staff, he developed teaching/learning strategies and programs to meet the special needs of this unique age group. He firmly believed the school experience can and should have a profound, positive effect on the total development of the child. The development of positive habits, attitudes, and manners were woven into the curriculum in an attempt to develop a more humane citizen, while at the same time, developing their basic skills and extracurricular interests and abilities.

Francis H. Cortney Junior High School was dedicated to Mr. Cortney on May 10, 1999.