Hickory Public Schools’ new superintendent was welcomed into the community at a reception Thursday afternoon.
Walter Hart, 47, was hired at a board of education meeting Sept. 12. He will officially begin as the system’s new superintendent on Nov. 1, with his four-year contract expiring June 30, 2015.
Hart said he first learned of the job opening from Lillie Cox, then-superintendent who has left for a position with Alamance-Burlington School System.
“I used to work in Lincoln County and was somewhat familiar with Hickory,” Hart said. “I’m friends with Lillie Cox. When Lillie said she was leaving, she suggested I look into the position.”
Hart applied, and was selected by the board from among 28 applicants for the position. His contract will give him $150,000 a year without a bonus, said Beverly Snowden, public information officer for Hickory Public Schools. He will also receive a monthly travel allowance and will be reimbursed for moving expenses to come to Hickory from China Grove.
Hart is currently the assistant superintendent for administration with Rowan-Salisbury Schools, a school system with about 20,500 students. With that school system, he oversees 35 principals, student discipline, alternative education, student service programs, employee safety, child nutrition and other programs.
Hart has also worked as an assistant superintendent of curriculum and personnel with Mooresville Graded School District and an associate superintendent of human resources with Lincoln County Schools. He began his career as a social studies teacher and coach with Cabarrus County Schools, before being promoted to assistant principal, then principal.
Hart said he is looking forward to being a superintendent of a system that has a strong foundation.
“Hickory Public Schools is doing a great job. The recent test scores results, ABCs and SATs are good,” he said. “I want to build on the strengths of the system. I want to make sure all aspects are good, and all the children are going to continue to achieve.”
Hart brought two of his three children to Thursday’s reception, as well as his wife, parents and in-laws. Many people from the community turned out to welcome the person who will soon lead Hickory Public Schools, including former superintendent Ric Vandett, a few county commissioners and the county manager, members of Hickory City Council, staff of Hickory Public Schools and current and past members of the board of education.
“Everybody’s so nice, I wish I could get started right now,” Hart said.
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