Josh Hurt, Metcalfe County’s new superintendent, got into education to positively impact others. Here he loads packaged food as meals for students onto buses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo submitted
Editor’s Note: This is the ninth of a series of stories Kentucky Teacher is running about new superintendents for the 2020-2021 school year.
By Sky Carroll
sky.carroll@education.ky.gov
When Josh Hurt started teaching, he had no intentions of going into school administration. Now with 23 years of experience of education, he’s the next superintendent for Metcalfe County Schools.
“I was encouraged by several people to pursue administration, so I thought I’d give it a shot,” Hurt said. “When I started taking leadership classes, I loved it. I really enjoyed the concept of leadership, how to make organization work and how to get people to be their best.”
Hurt was an English teacher for 17 years, beginning in 1997. He also coached girls’ basketball while he taught. Hurt said he first got into teaching and coaching in order to be able to have a positive impact on kids’ lives.
“I realized that school leadership related to what I’d done all my life in the coaching profession,” he said. “With the superintendent position, I get to be impactful not only for students, but now for the community.”
Although Hurt is thrilled to be leading a whole district, he’s especially happy that it’s in Metcalfe County.
“I’m not sure if there’s anywhere else I’d rather be superintendent,” he said. “This is my home now and I want this community to be the best it can be and I hope I can be part of that.”
Hurt describes the culture of Metcalfe County as “extremely supportive and positive” and he hopes to continue that culture.
Hurt is originally from Monroe County, which is right next door to Metcalfe County. After working in northern Kentucky and then in Meade County, he started his administration career as a high school curriculum coach in Metcalfe County.
“Even though I didn’t graduate in Metcalfe, it’s kind of like a homecoming for me since they’re so close. I’ve circled back,” he said.
Hurt has a bachelor’s degree in English secondary education from Eastern Kentucky University. His master’s in education and English is from Northern Kentucky University. He obtained his Rank 1 in administration and leadership, as well as certifications in instructional leadership, supervisor of instruction and his superintendent certification from the University of the Cumberlands.
When he isn’t coaching, teaching or leading, Hurt has several ways to spend his spare time in community. He has a spots blog and podcast with a friend, he announces Metcalfe’s football and basketball games and he’s even in an eight-person band with a few administrators, teachers and students – “Hornets’ Nest Pickers.” Hurt also enjoys spending time with his wife, Deena, and their two children.
As for next year, Hurt is looking forward to supporting his staff and students.
“I want the vision of Metcalfe to be one of innovation, that our previous superintendent, Benny Lile, started,” he said. “I want our kids to explore, identify and pursue their passions and the things they love.”
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