WINFIELD, W.Va. — Newly appointed Putnam County Superintendent John Hudson says he won’t be trying to reinvent the wheel when he takes over the county’s school district July 1.
“My plans would be first of all to look at the system, and it is an awesome system, and continue to do what they’re doing,” Hudson said. “Continue to hone in on those things and do them very well.”
Hudson, who has served as the superintendent in Boone County for seven years, was unanimously appointed by the Putnam Board of Education Wednesday night. Hudson said the position was well-matched to his skill set.
“It seems like some of what I consider to be my strengths, very well works with that system,” he said. “With their focus on the Leader In Me program at the elementary schools, their focus on college and career readiness, and their focus on soft skills at the secondary level; just the passion for excellence.”
Hudson would miss serving Boone County and its school system, he said.
“Obviously when you’re with a school system 32 years, it’s sad because there’s so many wonder people in Boone. It’s a great school system and often as I say, one of West Virginia’s best kept secrets.”
Boone County School officials will hold a 5 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, May 31 to accept Hudson’s resignation and begin considering his replacement, something Hudson said the district has been prepared for.
“They have known for a few weeks that there could be a possible opportunity for me elsewhere,” he said. “I am sure they have been thinking and discussing this in appropriate meetings and so forth.”
Hudson’s contract in Putnam County will last until June 30, 2020. His first year salary is $150,000, which will increase by $5,000 annually each year of the contract.