Hire to run for Superintendent of Schools
He is currently leader of Exeter Unified School District
Tim Hire, superintendent of Exeter Unified School District, has announced his candidacy for County Superintendent of Schools, and hopes to use his unique combination of administrative experience and real-world perspective to make a positive impact in schools of all sizes around the county.
Hire has worked in many capacities during his career as an educator, from high school ag teacher to superintendent, and in every role, he has employed a hands-on approach — something he learned during his time at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he studied agriculture.
Graduating from an ag school and teaching ag at Woodlake High School have given Hire relevant insight into Tulare County’s principal industry and the people who drive it, and he has incorporated that insight into his educational approach.
“I’ve been in education now in Tulare County for 21 years. As an ag teacher you’re not just in the classroom. You’re involved in partnerships with the ag industry, which basically drives our entire economy in Tulare County. All of that has given me a real strong foundation for understanding Tulare County economically, as well as the needs of our students and their families and how they fit into it,” he said.
As a superintendent, Hire still employs the hands-on approach to stay in touch. He spends four days every year doing the job of other district employees to stay connected with all facets of his district.
“I love being in the classroom and on campuses interacting with students and staff,” he said. “It gives me insight into the challenges and celebrations our staff and students experience.”
Hire values comprehensive education that reaches beyond the classroom — another valuable lesson he learned from his agriculture background, and a concept he would focus on if elected County Superintendent of Schools.
“I think we should continue to provide opportunities that enhance what students are learning in the classroom,” says Hire. “The single biggest reason I chose ag education was because of the leadership development that goes along with the FFA. Whether they’re doing landscape maintenance, raising an animal, growing a crop, or just working in an ag-related industry, it teaches them valuable skills — the value of being on time, following directions, ownership and taking responsibility.”
Hire has served as superintendent at both Woodlake and Exeter School Districts, and both have excelled under his leadership. He has pushed for the passing of two school facility bonds to improve classrooms and facilities, and his understanding of school finance helped Woodlake stay on solid financial ground without cutting jobs or student programs during the recent recession.
They are the kind of accomplishments that reflect well on a candidate for County Superintendent of Schools, and Hire has his own thoughts on the traits that would make for an effective leader in the county office.
“That person has to be approachable, organized, and has to have a knowledge of the needs of all districts in the county, from the small ones like Hot Springs with only a handful of students all the way up to Visalia Unified with over 30,000,” he said. “You have to have the experience to understand the school system, and you have to genuinely enjoy interacting with folks. It’s a big job.”
Hire feels that he and other candidates have all benefitted from the leadership of Jim Vidak, who has held the position for 27 years and is leaving the county on solid footing. He credits Vidak’s leadership as being a key to his development as an educator.
“I think Jim’s done a great job. He personally has mentored me through situations that were new experiences. I went from high school principal to superintendent without any district office experience — it was a huge jump,” said Hire. “The reason I was able to do that was the superintendents in this county were so open and so willing to help a young, very inexperienced superintendent at the drop of a hat, and I think that is reflective of the county office leadership.”
Hire feels the county office does not have any “burning issues” that need to be resolved, but can see a time soon when it will play a larger role.
“As the landscape of education is changing with the new accountability system, the county office’s role is changing as schools and districts get identified for assistance, and that will evolve in the coming years,” he said. “The county’s role is going to expand in offering and providing support. At the very lowest levels of intervention it’s consultation, but as schools get out of designation or remain there, it may become incumbent on the county office to provide more direct support.”
It is one of the many duties Hire feels his experience has prepared him to take on for Tulare County, but he also looks forward to embracing the human component of the position.
“I tell people all the time we’re a people industry — it’s about building relationships and figuring out how you can work together to use your resources to bring opportunities to kids,” said Hire. “Those partnerships and relationships with parents all help shape your philosophy on education and your goal to provide the best services for the kids. I look forward to getting out to all the districts and being a good listener.”
When it comes to Hire’s core values, it’s kids first, and he makes improving the services provided to students his ultimate objective in all his pursuits.
“We exist as an entity to educate kids, and that for me is all-inclusive,” said Hire. “It’s the academic piece, it’s teaching them to be quality human beings, to be good decision makers, to be resourceful, and to contribute positively to our community.”
Hire will be running against Anthony Martin of Burton School District and Craig Wheaton, current deputy superintendent to Vidak, in November’s election.