The new superintendent of Bellevue Independent Schools was introduced at last week’s board of education meeting.
Misty Middleton attended with her husband and one of her two daughters Wednesday night.
She currently holds the same position at Williamstown Independent Schools and replaces Robb Smith in Bellevue as he departs on July 1 after eight years on the job. Smith is joining the Kentucky Association of Educational Cooperatives as the “director of deeper learning.”
Smith was expected to introduce his successor but could not attend the meeting due to COVID-19.
Middleton emerged from 22 candidates who sought the job.
She spent her whole life in Grant County, graduating from Grant County High School. She has been in Williamstown schools for 19 years, the last six were spent as superintendent. Middleton was previously an elementary teacher, a Head Start/preschool teacher, instructional supervisor, and assistant superintendent.
“I wasn’t looking to leave,” she said. “Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, and Bellevue is a great district. I would never have left for anything other than a smaller, family-oriented district. I put my name out there, because I thought it would be an opportunity to learn and grow, and to challenge myself.”
The two districts are comparable in size. Williamstown has one school that houses elementary, middle, and high school, and Bellevue has two schools, an elementary, and the middle and high school in the other.
However, Bellevue is in an urban setting in contrast with Williamstown which is a largely rural community.
“I love to walk,” Middleton said with a laugh, “and I walk in high heels, so people say they hear me coming because of my heels. I just envision being able to walk the streets and meet families and students during my walks.”
Something Middleton is proud of is building a team of educators at Williamstown, she said, a team that included the assistant superintendent, the principals, the heads of departments and the teachers.
“I think community and connectivity helps to bring the buildings together,” she said. “It takes collaboration.”
She is also proud that the school is getting ready to build a new auditorium that can seat 400 people. She said it will help with concerts and plays, with community events, and forums and board meetings. It will have great possibilities for students, she said.
Middleton mentioned that the district just added a school resource officer from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
She said she would like to get to know the Bellevue district before she started making any concrete plans.
“I would also like to meet with the administrative staff and the board members,” she said. “Everything I have seen so far shows me that they have a great team here who always put the kids first and that is very important to me. Until then I plan on listening and learning.”
Middleton declared that she is a strong proponent of public schools and says it means equality for all.
“The more you know, the more you can do,” she said.
Board members were impressed with Middleton and made her their final choice.
“Misty Middleton possesses such great experience, knowledge and drive, making her an excellent fit for our district,” said Julia Fischer. “I look forward to working with Superintendent Middleton and the Board of Education team as we continue the upward trajectory for our students and community.”
Board member Jenny Hazares was impressed that her family came to support her at the meeting.
“I think she is a good strong leader, with a lot of experience,” she said. “She has skill sets that will work very well at Bellevue. I look forward to doing great things with Superintendent Middleton.”
“I feel that Misty is a great fit for our district,” said board member Liz Joseph. “Her desire to make the district the best it can be for our students is obvious, and I believe she will be wonderful at engaging staff, students and the community.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Middleton to the Bellevue family,” said Jenn Owens, board chair. “Her passion for public education and infectious positivity are a natural fit for our district, allowing us to lauch the Bellevue classroom to the next level.”
Longtime board member Dan Swope said there seemed to be an immediate connection with the new superintendent.
“She impressed me as being compassionate, yet firm,” he said. “She is right up our alley!”
Swope said representatives from the Kentucky School Board Association warned them that they might not have a lot of applicants, but even they were surprised that they attracted 22, all but 2 from Kentucky.
“She has big shoes to fill, but she is more than up to the task,” he said. “She is a good fit.”
