Following two consecutive Saturdays of interviewing five finalists and making a decision, the Attala County School Board announced Saturday that they have hired a new Superintendent for the District.
“The Attala County School Board is proud to have Mr. Hammond as our incoming superintendent. He comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We look forward to partnering with him to improve our district,” said board Chairman Christy Moody, following the announcement.
Kyle Hammond will take the helm in January of 2020 after the board undertook a search after the state legislature changed to having school boards hire superintendents rather than having them elected.
Hammond will replace current Superintendent Bryan Weaver, who was also a finalist in the search.
Moody said the board wishes outgoing Superintendent Bryan Weaver well.
“We appreciate Mr. Weaver’s years of service to the district and wish him the best,” said Moody.
Hammond is a 12-year Kosciusko resident who has most recently served as Assistant Superintendent in nearby Louisville, where he has also previously served as director of Federal Programs and Secondary Education, principal of the high school and Alternative School director and assistant principal.
“When this opportunity came up, I knew it would allow me to come back and work in this community,” Hammond told The Star-Herald, noting that he had been a football and track coach in Kosciusko about 15 years ago.
In applying for the position, Hammond highlighted improving ELA, Math and Science proficiency and graduation rates, as well ask a background in curriculum development, personnel management, strategic planning, and budgeting and finances.
Asked if he was concerned about the districts poor high school ratings despite high marks for the elementary schools, Hammond said he believes his experience and the dedication of the district’s students and teachers will allow for a turnaround.
“There is tremendous opportunity for growth. I know we can replicate that same level of success (at the high school level),” he said. “I have a lot of background in that and have implemented programs before, some of which worked and some of which didn’t.”
Hammond said between now and the time he assumes his new post, he will mostly be observing and becoming familiar, partially by attending school board meetings. Asked if replacing Weaver creates and awkward situation, Hammond said he believes the two can work together.
“I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. It is still Mr. Weaver’s position and he needs the autonomy to make his own decisions. I don’t want to be looking over his shoulder,” said Hammond. “I think we can have a positive working relationship and I know he’ll be successful in whatever he decides to do going forward.
Early in his tenure, Hammond said he will be looking to work with the school board to set goals, then develop action steps to meet those goals in conjunction with all those who have a role in the success of the schools, including teachers, parents, students, business leaders and other stakeholders.
“In the end, all of us are going to do what is best for the children,” he said. “I have high expectations for myself and I’m going to have high expectations for everyone else.”
Hammond and his wife, Michelle, who works at Premier Medical Group, have two children and two grandchildren.
Daughter Mia Hammond, just graduated from Madison High School. Son, Derek Ervin, lives in Attala County with his wife, Carmen, and their two children Daegon, a sixth-grader at Greenlee Elementary, and their one-year-old Grayson.
