In a unanimous decision, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District (HMC-1) Board of Education has selected Yaw Obeng, M.Ed., as the next superintendent of Hickman Mills C-1 Schools. The decision comes after a thorough and deliberate
search by the Board of Education.

Mr. Obeng is currently superintendent in the Burlington School District in Burlington, VT. He has a wide-range of experience in education including work as a teacher, special educator, guidance counselor, equity instructional leader and principal in districts in Canada and the United States. He has a Bachelor of Education in Biology, History, Health Sciences from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and additional post graduate studies at the University of Toronto, York University and Shulich Executive School of Business.

“We were very pleased to have three outstanding finalists. Yaw Obeng emerged as the right choice to lead the district. He has a track record of being student centered and focusing on equity and achievement,” said Board of Education President Wakisha Briggs. “I want to thank the entire Board of Education for their commitment to this important process.”

To lead the search, the Board of Education retained Ray & Associates. The district received 54 applications from 21 states. The field of candidates was narrowed to three finalist including James Henderson, Ed.D Superintendent in the Holmes County Consolidated School District, Darrin Slade, Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership in Kansas City Public Schools. The finalists were interviewed by the Board of Education as well as a select group of staff, parents, students and community members.

“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead this great community which is rich in history and connectedness but with an eye on a progressive future,” said Mr. Obeng. “I have been captivated by the outreach of support and eagerness to succeed by the students, staff and parents that I have met. Martin Luther King Jr. stated ‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.’ I look forward to partnering with our school community to create a shared vision of true education that encompasses 21st century skills, combined with accountability for our students to realize their maximum promise.”

Mr. Obeng will begin work with Interim Superintendent Carl Skinner to ensure a smooth transition into the district. He will officially move into his role as superintendent on July 1.

The Board wishes to thank the staff, parents, students and members of the community for their valuable input.