Rick Earley honored at HCS reception

By STEVE ROUSH
The Highland County Press

For almost three decades, his No. 1 focus has been the best interest of students.

That was the common theme as outgoing Hillsboro City Schools Superintendent Rick Earley was honored at a reception Wednesday night at the high school auditeria.

After taking over for former superintendent Art Reiber in the fall of 2009, Earley announced his retirement, effective January 2014, in June of this year.

Guest speakers Fred Yochum, Tony Long and Fred Compton all spoke fondly of the longtime educator, who has been a been a teacher, varsity basketball coach, varsity baseball coach, assistant football coach, director of athletics, high school principal and superintendent during his tenure with the district.

“He honestly cares about the students and what is the best thing for them,” Compton said.

“The decisions he’s had to make have been difficult at times, but through it all, Rick has genuinely been concerned about the students, the staff, the board of education and the community. He loves this community, and, Rick, you have given your all. He has truly given this district leadership and has demonstrated integrity, honesty, a passion and decisiveness. Rick Earley leaves an impression on this district,” Compton said.

Long said Earley has raised the bar at Hillsboro City Schools during his time as superintendent.

“I’ve been told the true measure of a school leader is someone who leaves a school district in better shape than they found it,” Long said. “Rick Earley has certainly done that here at Hillsboro City Schools. Hillsboro is on the right path.”

Yochum, also a longtime educator with the district, thanked Earley for deciding to call Hillsboro home.

“For Rick, this isn’t just a label, it isn’t just a grade from the state, it isn’t a banner hanging up on the wall that says ‘Excellent,’” Yochum said.

“It’s about learning a skill, expanding a talent or realizing a dream. In my 37 years at Hillsboro High School, I’ve worked with nine different superintendents and 11 different principals. Good people, good educators that did a good job. But of all these people, the one that had the greatest focus on the classroom was Rick Earley.

“I’ve made a rough calculation, and have found out that Rick has had direct contact in his jobs here with more than 35,000 lives in his 30 years. He’s definitely made a difference. The most important thing you all should know about Rick Earley is that for him, kids are No. 1. Kids first.”

Earley thanked everyone for taking the time to share the evening with him and said he appreciated all the support he’s received over the years.

“This means a lot and I greatly appreciate it,” Earley said. “I want to thank my family for being here. I really appreciate them, I love each one very much and I appreciate your support throughout my career. There are so many people in here that I could go around the room and talk about. I thank each of you because each of you had a huge impact on my life and my career and it’s just been greatly appreciated. I going to miss each and every one of you, but I’m not that far away.

“One thing that I’ve honestly tried to do in each and every decision I’ve made, and I know some were not popular, but we are in the business for kids. And everything that we do, we have to make sure that our kids have options here at Hillsboro City Schools and make sure they can compete against anyone in the 21st century. And I feel like we’re on that path.”