By Kate Seegraves

Staff Writer

After two years as the Bethel Local Schools superintendent, Robert Hoover will retire from the position effective July 31. The Bethel Township resident began his career as a public educator 32 years ago as a high school teacher in Dayton. His career has taken him to various districts around Ohio, including Franklin-Monroe Schools and Northeastern Local Schools. He came to Bethel from Graham Local Schools in 2008, where he worked for ten years as the district’s business manager and treasurer.

According to Hoover, his attraction to Bethel stemmed partly from the district’s resemblance the schools he attended as a child in Pleasant Hill, Ohio.

“They had K-through-12 all in one complex. I remember (as a young student) seeing the seniors walk down the hallway. They were the people we looked up to,” he said. “Being in the same complex, Bethel students can come down to the elementary classrooms and help with different activities every day. It’s a really neat environment.”

Hoover said he also appreciated how the schools are the hub of the Bethel community, and that the township’s residents support the schools faithfully.

“This is a very close-knit community,” he said. “There’s a real value here that the community has in the school district.”

According to Deborah Watson, president of the Bethel Board of Education, Hoover accomplished much in his two years, such as helping pass the first income tax levy for the district. He also went above and beyond in his position, taking on extra responsibility in the absence of an athletic director “at the same time he took a freeze on his own pay,” she said.

“He improved the appearance of our school with many projects inside and out while staying within the budget,” Watson said. “All you had to do is mention something, and it was taken care of. He created an atmosphere of integrity and trust among administrators, staff, teachers, the board and the community. He will be missed.”

Hoover and Watson both said the board is currently searching for a new superintendent. The board initially received 18 applications for the position, Watson said, and has since narrowed the field and conducted interviews. The new superintendent will be approved at a special meeting July 7, and announced at the next scheduled board meeting July 12.

Whoever the next superintendent is, Hoover said he is confident the board will choose a competent, capable leader.

“The board has done a good job getting input from the community and the staff here,” he said. “They’ll choose someone who can come in and continue to move ahead in this district.”