MEDFORD, Ore. – Current Medford School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Shumate is reportedly in the running for a job in Georgia.
The LaGrange Daily News reports Shumate is one of three finalists vying for superintendent of the Troup County School District.
Shumate has served as with the Medford School District since July of 2014. Before arriving in the Rogue Valley, Shumate was an assistant superintendent in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Medford School District issued the following statement Tuesday:
After five successful years as the Medford School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Brian Shumate is being considered for a similar job in Troup County, Georgia.
Dr. Shumate came to the Medford School District in July 2014. Under Dr. Shumate’s leadership, the district has surpassed state averages in all content areas on Smarter Balanced assessments, with notable improvements in disadvantaged and underrepresented student populations. The district has seen substantial gains in graduation rates. He also launched the Pathways Program to help each child find connection and meaning and his/her place in our schools.
“We’ve been fortunate to be in Medford and I’ve been fortunate to be the Superintendent,” Dr. Brian Shumate said. “In the last several years, our family has experienced deaths, serious illness and the birth of a grandchild. Because of these family considerations I’ve found it necessary to be closer to my hometown and closer to family.”
Recently, Dr. Shumate engaged with several national educational recruiting firms. Since that time, he was recruited by a firm to pursue the superintendent position in the Troup County, Georgia School District.
“While my wife and I find it necessary to be closer to family, I want to continue working in school district leadership.”
Dr. Shumate is one of three finalists for the Superintendent position. He will take part in a final interview next week.
“I am very thankful to the board for giving me the opportunity to lead the Medford School District – I’ve learned a great deal and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished,” said Dr. Shumate.
He acknowledges the hard work of staff, students and families over the past five years as well as the support of the community – and asks for their understanding and cooperation.
“We are so grateful for all that has been accomplished in the Medford School District under the direction of Brian Shumate,’ said School Board Chair, Cynthia Wright. “Brian has been open with the board about his interest in moving closer to his family and interviewing for a position with another district. We support him in his decision and in preparation for that possibility we have contacted several superintendent search companies, so that should the need arise we will be ready to move in that direction.”
At this point, the process is still evolving and Dr. Shumate will notify the board when the decision is final.
This article has been updated to include a statement from the Medford School District.
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