Story Published:
Sep 18, 2011 at 12:11 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 18, 2011 at 7:46 AM CDT
Kathleen Airhart, Director of Schools, says she was "completely surprised" to be named "Superintendent of the Year" this week by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. Selected by the honor among her peers across the state, Airhart is the first to bring the honor back to the Upper Cumberland in its 62 year history.
TOSS President Dan Lawson cited her leadership in educational innovation and ability to share success stories as part of what differentiated Airhart in her selection for the honor.
Airhart was further surprised on Friday as leaders and administrators surprised her with a congratulatory celebration at the Central Office of the Putnam County Board of Education. The leaders teased Airhart with a "wonder woman" presentation, applauding her achievement.
Airhart, clearly moved by the assembly's enthusiasm, said "thank you" and stated that she felt that the true recipients of the honor were the teachers and leaders of the Putnam County education system.
A total of eight nominated school directors were reviewed by a panel of experts based on educational leadership, community service and impact. Airhart's application included information on the county's VITAL (Virtual Learning) initiative, energy savings and other actions that have been on the forefront of Tennessee educational improvement.
Airhart said that STEM initiatives, along with an expanded online learning program and strategic compensation are some of the things that Putnam County is doing that are possible state benchmarks. Putnam County is the first school district in the state to have a virtual public school and Putnam's plan for Strategic Compensation (a performance based pay initiative for teachers) has been identified as a possible state model.
Representing Tennessee at the American Association of School Superintendents National event, Airhart will compete for the honor of National Superintendent of the year in Houston, TX in February.
Airhart has been Director for Putnam County Schools since 2007 and is highly active in shaping state level educational improvements.
"She has created a challenging vision" says Principal Jill Ramsey of Airhart, "and we're blessed to have her in Putnam County. She supports, leads and makes us feel like it's all possible. We're all on the same page. And we're improving."
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