Burke "Bo" Chenoweth

Burke “Bo” Chenoweth was selected by the Hart County school board in April to serve as its next superintendent. Photo provided by Burke “Bo” Chenoweth

(MUNFORDVILLE, KY) — After nearly three decades in Hart County Schools, new Superintendent Burke “Bo” Chenoweth walks the same hallways where his teaching journey began, now with the responsibility of leading the district.

Chenoweth grew up in Anderson County and graduated from Anderson County High School in 1992. He began his teaching career in 1997 at Hart County High School, soon after graduating from Western Kentucky University. He said he originally envisioned a path in law, following in the footsteps of his father, who is a retired school law defense attorney.

“I grew up working in his office with him, doing clerical things for him … He encouraged me that if I wanted to do that, then I needed to go ahead and pursue a teaching certification,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth said he enrolled at Western Kentucky University to pursue a history degree to teach, but soon decided he no longer wanted to go to law school.

Over the years, Chenoweth has served in multiple roles within the district, including teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and now superintendent. Chenoweth transitioned to administrative roles after serving as a high school teacher for five years.

“I worked with a lot of individuals who supported me and helped me grow … I am thankful that I was able to work with individuals who guided me, who taught me and just helped me learn aspects of education,” Chenoweth said.

He said each educational position has played a critical role in shaping his leadership philosophy that focuses on doing whatever is best for the students and staff.

“All of them deserve to be supported without exception, because that’s what we’re here for, to support them. And we want to inspire all our students to see a future full of possibilities,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth said that it is also important to encourage and cheer on staff members because they are making a difference inside and outside of the classrooms.

“I want all the staff to know they are important every day, they are valued every day, and they are supported every day,” Chenoweth said.

In his first year as superintendent, Chenoweth created a clear vision for the district that emphasizes building relationships and trust between students and staff, the board of education office and all the schools.

“My vision has been that all of our students deserve to be known by name,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth said he has poured his heart into Hart County and every position he has ever held, but his commitment to the district is professional and personal. He credits his deep-rooted connection to the community for his passion to make the school district the best it can be.

“For almost three decades, I’ve lived in this county and this district. This is my home. I’ve raised my family here. I go to church here,” Chenoweth said.

Though he hadn’t always planned to become superintendent, Chenoweth says the decision to step into the role came after much prayer. Chenoweth said that he knew he had the qualifications but needed to be sure that he was the best candidate.

“If they had offered it to somebody else, I was going to continue to be here as an assistant superintendent, being supportive and continuing to work just as hard. So, God’s been good to me,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth said he leans on his family when times grow challenging as they support, encourage and pray for him. He credits his administrative team, retired educators, church community and fellow superintendents across the region for his dedication.

“I am thankful for all the educators in the Anderson County school … invested in a shy little boy and taught me to love learning, who fostered my interest in reading, social studies and math, who challenged me to learn, and who expected excellence of me,” Chenoweth said.

To educators aspiring to hold leadership roles, Chenoweth offered advice that encourages asking questions, seeking mentors and never trying to go it alone.

“If something doesn’t make sense, and you need to understand it, ask people who have done it. Make sure you’ve got those one or two people who kind of serve as mentors because that’s how we learn,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth said that he is currently in new superintendent training, and the people in his cohort are all supportive of each other, near or far. He said that each superintendent is assigned to a mentor.

“Every one of them has said the same thing. ‘Please call me if I can be of any help in any way.’ So, anybody who aspires to do that, know that there’s going to be people there to help you,” Chenoweth said.

He said he believes the superintendent’s role extends far beyond classrooms and school buildings.

“You are the superintendent all the time. Even when school’s not in session, it doesn’t make any difference. Whether you run into someone at the grocery store or anyplace else, you always have that title,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth said that as superintendent, your presence is needed, and it’s important for students and parents to know that you care about them.

Chenoweth said his calendar is filled with band competitions, athletic events and school festivals to continue to build relationships with the community, staff, students and their families.