———KAMIAH — Kevin Beard, Kamiah School District 304’s new superintendent and high school principal, took an unconventional route into education, leaving a career in state government to become a teacher at age 50. Beard grew up in Emmett, Idaho, and worked as a project manager for the Idaho Department of Labor. Beard had already earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from Boise State University. He later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and an education specialist degree, which qualified him for superintendent certification. Beard said his original goal was to become a vice-principal and work directly with students who need help making better decisions.