Humboldt City School District Makes History With New Superintendent
This video is no longer available.
JACKSON, Tenn. — Dr. Versie Ray Hamlett says moving to her new job as superintendent of the Humboldt City School District is bittersweet. “I got my start here in Jackson-Madison County and I have a group of teachers from Pope Elementary that were really like my mom when I first started, because I was just a new baby on the block,” Hamlett said. Humboldt school officials say Hamlett is the first African-American and the first woman to hold the position. “A lot of people have worked really hard to get me where I am today, and I feel like I stand on the shoulders of some great heroes from the past,” Hamlett said. Hamlett, who accepted the position Friday, starts the job May 1. She applied last November right before she was promoted to oversee all elementary education in Jackson-Madison County. “It just happened so fast to be promoted to chief academic officer and then this opportunity came up,” Hamlett said. “So, it’s just very exciting but this is what I worked very hard for.” The 19-year educator has degrees from Lane College, Freed-Hardeman and Union University. The chairman of the Humboldt City School District said they’re looking forward to Hamlett’s arrival. “They’ve said to me that they’re ready for change,” Hamlett said. “So, the first thing I would like to do is build some really important relationships with people in the community.” Hamlett says her last day in Madison County is April 30. Her contract with Humboldt is for three years and two months.
