News
Jones Set To Retire As Trimble Superintendent
By: Sarah Hawley | Athens Messenger staff reporter
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For the past 32 years Kim Jones has been a part of the teaching staff or administration in Trimble Local School District, a position she will be leaving later this month.
Jones has spent the past four years as superintendent of Trimble Local Schools following a year as building principal and 27 years as a teacher in the district.
"She lives in the community and has given to the community her whole life. She has spend 50 years in this district, winning numerous awards as an educator here," said Scott Christman, who will become the district's superintendent on Aug. 1. "She is irreplaceable."
"We are losing a cornerstone of the district," said Christman.
Christman was hired by the Trimble Local Board of Education earlier this year to become the district's new leader. He is currently serving as assistant superintendent for the month of July to learn from Jones.
"I am thankful to spend this month and learn from her. This time is helping me to look forward and to see the impact she (Jones) has had on the district," said Christman.
"I am delighted to have Scott coming in," said Jones. "He is a graduate of the school. He and his family have been in education for a long time. He has an historical sense of the community and culture."
While noting that she is pleased with the educational strides made by the district over the past few years, Jones spoke highly of the academic success shown by Christman in increasing the scores at Miller High School.
"He brings new ideas to help students reach higher academic success. He is very capable and thoughtful, yet decisive," said Jones, adding that those were good qualities to be shown by a superintendent.
"It's hard to leave, but is a relief to be turning it over to Christman. I have faith in him handling it," said Jones of the many projects which will continue at Trimble following her departure. Those projects include the health clinic and energy saving work being completed at the Jacksonville building.
Christman has worked as a teacher in several districts in Southeast Ohio, teaching everything from special education to physical education in grades K-12. Christman most recently served as the principal at Miller High School in Perry County. Like Jones, Christman is a Trimble native, having graduated from Trimble High School.
"The diversity of background Scot brings allows him to provide leadership across the board which is invaluable," said Jones.
As for what the future holds after spending 32 years in education, Jones is not exactly sure.
"I've always worked in education, but don't have immediate future plans," said Jones indicating that after she "rests up" she might work again.
"It's difficult to visualize not being involved in the field," Jones added. The veteran educator stated she had previously taught a course at Ohio University, something she had enjoyed.
"This is my home school and I will help in any way I can. I am glad to have the opportunity to work here as a teacher and administrator. The school is the heart of the community," Jones concluded.