Fulton Public Schools announced the hire of a new assistant superintendent at the district's February Board of Education meeting Wednesday.
Chris Hubbuch, who currently serves as director of secondary education for St. Joseph School District, will join FPS on July 1.
"Fulton is known around the state as a highly effective school district that is innovative and progressive and known for doing what is best for kids," Hubbuch said. "I was very impressed by what I saw as an outsider and the degree to which the community, the building staff, the leadership have structured support around programs so they can be implemented with fidelity."
Hubbuch named several initiatives and programs that excite him including positive behavior intervention, early childhood education and the Jobs for America's Graduates program the district is set to roll out next year.
He is also excited to live in Fulton. Hubbuch said he has roots in Columbia, and Fulton feels like home to him.
"From the community perspective, it's known for being a special place," Hubbuch said, noting the local appreciation for education.
In his current role in St. Joseph, Hubbuch is involved in high school programs and workforce development.
"My experience has given me a perspective on how we can best support students for life," Hubbuch said. "I'm a strong believer in public education and the power of that to give opportunities."
FPS was impressed by Hubbuch's experience in education, current Assistant Superintendent Ty Crain said. Hubbuch has been a middle school principal and served as a clinical associate at the University of Missouri. He taught for Columbia Public Schools and served as an administrator in the Excelsior Springs School District. Hubbuch is also a member of the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education Advisory Committee.
Hubbuch has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a specialist degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri, a master's degree in education from Lindenwood University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University.
"He actually started out as a fifth-grade elementary teacher," Crain said. "He has a background that gives you a little bit of that K-12 experience at each level."
Crain, who has served as assistant superintendent for the past two and a half years, will move into the role of superintendent in July.
"If I were to give him, or anyone, advice, as with any leadership position, I'd say to come in and listen and build positive relationships within the community, the schools, with the staff, with parents, and to listen to understand," Crain said. "Then, at that point, you can start to understand, what can I add? How can my experiences help advance the district and help move us towards continuous improvement?"
Hubbuch said his top priority is to get to know the community better and "really understand hopes and dreams and goals."
"I'm honored by this appointment, and I can't wait to get to the community and get connected," Hubbuch said.
The headline on this article was edited Feb. 18, 2020, to correct the title of the position hired.