SWEARING IN • Dr. Kodey Hughes was recently sworn in as the new superintendent of schools in Juab School District. He was sworn in by Darin Clark, business administrator.
By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent
Dr. Kodey Hughes was appointed as the Juab School District Superintendent at Wednesday’s board meeting and was then sworn in by Darin Clark, business administrator.
“We are grateful for all the many talented applicants we had,” said Dale Whitlock, board president. “I think we made an excellent choice in Dr. Hughes.”
“I’m honored and excited to be serving as the next superintendent,” said Hughes. “I would like to give a little information about myself.”
“This is my 18th year in education,” Hughes said. “I have served 17 years as a band director, five years as a building administrator and 10 years as a district superintendent of the Tintic School District.”
He is the father of three children, all named for something in music—Kaydence, 11, in the 6th grade; Key Anna, 9, in the 4th grade; and Khord, 7, in the 2nd grade.
“My wife, Jodie, and I just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary,” he said.
“I feel like I have extremely big shoes to fill,” said Hughes.
He said he had the opportunity of working with Dr. Rick Robins, former superintendent, and also realized that he could stand on the shoulders of those who had gone before.
He said that he and his family are planning to live in Nephi and are currently looking for a home to move into.
He graduated from Southern Utah University with a bachelor’s in Music Education in 2002, earned a master’s in Education Leadership in 2009 and a doctoral degree from Northcentral University in 2019.
“I was a musician and wrestler in high school and college and attribute those activities to much of my life’s success,” he said. “I am a die-hard Notre Dame football fan (Go Irish!).”
There were several things that he strongly believed, he said.
“I believe if we want the best efforts from the students, we must give our best efforts to them in everything we do; I believe all students can learn and succeed if we provide them with the correct learning environment; I believe in honest ‘face to face’ communication with parents and staff; I believe that teaching is one of the most important occupations in terms of the future success of our society.”
Beginning on July 1, he will be in the office each weekday to start planning for the upcoming school year.
“As you see me, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself so that we can get to know each other,” said Hughes. “Together, we will continue to maintain and grow the amazing teaching, culture and learning environment that the Juab School District community expects from its graduates.”
He said that he was looking forward to working with the staff, students and community to advance and celebrate the school district’s future accomplishments.
He said that he was looking forward to being a Wasp.
“I appreciate the faith of the board in selecting me,” said Hughes. “I appreciate that this is a 24/7 job, and I know that it does affect the family.”
He said that he was grateful for his family’s support and recognized the enormous amount of work that his wife did to keep things at home running smoothly. | 