(By Don Meador, Public Information Officer, Allen County Schools)
The Allen County Board of Education has tabbed veteran educator Jason Travis Hamby to replace retiring superintendent Randall Jackson. Meeting in a special called session Thursday, the Board of Education employed Hamby as the new superintendent, effective July 1, 2019.
“There is a great leadership team in place here and I look forward to working alongside them and partner with them to continue to build upon the great work that is happening in Allen County Schools and see us move forward into the future,” Hamby said. “I am 100 percent committed to being here and to support the students of Allen County.”
Hamby comes to Allen County after serving as Superintendent of the Trigg County Public Schoolssince July of 2010. Prior to the superintendent’s position, Hamby was the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Personnel in Trigg County for three years. His administrative background also includes time as the principal of South Todd Elementary School and assistant principal at Todd County Middle School. Hamby ascended to administration following time as a math teacher in the Hopkins County School District.
The new superintendent is a 1990 graduate of South Hopkins High School. Hamby attended Murray State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. Later, Hambyearned his Master of Arts in Education and his Rank 1 at Murray State University.
Speaking to media following the announcement, Hamby notes that his first months on the job will focus on getting to know the school district and community.
“My first priority is to know and be known,” Hamby explained. “I want to spend time listening and learning about this community from our students, our teachers, our staff, our community members, and our business partners. I want to really hear from them about what it is about Allen County schools that makes them great and what are the things you don’t want to see changed and ask the question--where do you want to see Allen County (schools) go? I also want to ask what the things are we need to be doing to better equip our students and empower them to go to the next level, see them be successful beyond high school, and to see them add value back to our community. That is what builds and strengthens a community---for graduates to come back and be part of the community. I will do a lot of listening and a lot of learning over the next few months.”
Hamby adds that he also wants people to get to know him as well.
“I want people to know who Travis Hamby is, what I believe in, what my values are,” Hamby explained. “It’s about building relationships. I know it’s going to take time to build trust with thestaff and in the community. I committed to do that, to be transparent, and to listen.”
Hamby replaces Randall Jackson who has served as superintendent since 2007.