Dr. Mike Hall said he always reminds his students that when they go on a field trip, they represent not just themselves and their families, but also their school.

“I think as your superintendent here, my goal would be to represent the board, community, and students, with integrity,” he said.

“I can’t make a lot of promises other than to tell you that I will make every effort to follow policies you set,” he said. “I believe in loyalty. I’m not going to get out at the Food World and criticize the board, and I think in return, the respect would be the same.”

The current principal of Banks School in Pike County said extracurricular activities play a vital role in education.

“It allows for the students to develop discipline, whether it’s football, soccer, or band,” he said. “But basically, it’s keeping them involved.

So many children go home, and no one’s home. “The life lessons (of extra-curriculars) are invaluable,” he said. “Extra-curricular activities, to me, are a vital part of the package. It ranks up there with educational growth, and spiritual growth.

Consistency, he said, should always be a part of student discipline, and students should always have the opportunity to tell their side of the story.

“No matter what, a student should still be able to tell his side of what happened, even if you know he’s not telling truth or making it up,” he said.

“We raised our two children to respect authority,” he said. “When I deal with a child, I don’t love them like I do my children. But every time, I think ‘What would I do if this were my child?’ ”

Hall said the rural schools should be the hubs of their communities, and that among the ways he would communicate with the community and with students is to send letters of congratulations to honor students.

“My philosophy in education is and always has been putting the children first,” Hall said. “If I know that I’ve been fair and I did what I thought was best for the children, then I can accept criticism from the parents.”

Dr. Hall was accompanied by his wife, Gloria, who is a native of Opp.