Jim McHugh has been named the new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

Jim McHugh was appointed the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at last week’s Board of Education meeting. Mr. McHugh, who has been serving as Principal on Special Assignment at the district office since returning from a medical leave of absence in February, begins the new role immediately.

As Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. McHugh will oversee all academic programs and services in the district. He will also supervise instructional technology, administer testing, lead and participate on a variety of committees, and seek grant opportunities.

“I am excited for this new challenge and to be able to help all of our students receive an excellent K-12 education,” he said. “The most important thing is that I still think like a teacher.”

Jim McHugh served as principal of Bell Top Elementary School since 2007.

Mr. McHugh had been the principal at Bell Top Elementary School since 2007. Prior to that, he was an administrator at Columbia High School and spent 17 years in the district as a classroom teacher.

He has served as the interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction since April 1.

“The District is extremely fortunate to have Jim McHugh step into this important role,” said Board of Education President Dr. Shay Harrison. “Jim is an expert in pedagogy, not just in present delivery but also in being fully informed about and anticipating the directions that classroom instruction will take in the future. He’s demonstrated his leadership and creativity throughout his educational career, from classroom teacher to building administrator and now as an Assistant Superintendent.”

Mr. McHugh will be a part of the Central Administration team that includes Superintendent Jeff Simons and Assistant Superintendents Michele Bowman and Lawrence Edson.

“I’m grateful that Jim McHugh has accepted this key position in our district,” Mr. Simons said. “Jim’s talents as a teacher and an administrator will help us move forward as we enrich our curriculum, expand 21st century programs and ensure students move through a school system that is aligned with our board’s positive vision for the diverse student population we serve.”

Marty Mahar will continue to serve as interim principal at Bell Top Elementary School. A process has begun to fill that position on a permanent basis.