Gary Fields was selected Bowling Green Independent Schools District’s 10th superintendent in a unanimous vote tonight at Bowling Green High School by the city school board.

Fields has been employed in the city district for 19 years. Currently, he serves as principal of BGHS, a post he has held since 2002. 

He follows W. B. Willey, Edward Taylor, T. C. Cherry, L.C. Curry, W.R. McNeill, James Graham, Joel Brown, John Settle and Joe Tinius. The district’s first superintendent was appointed in 1893.

Tinuis is retiring after 38 years with the city district, the last 10 as superintendent. There will be a reception for Tinius from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Dishman-McGinnis Elementary School.

“People say I smile a lot,” said a beaming Fields after the board vote, standing at the podium in the BGHS Theater. “But this is a smile that is as big as they get.”

Fields received a standing ovation from those gathered in the theater for the annual May district awards presentations.

Fields said no one can replace Tinius. “I am humbled and honored. It is a great moment in my career. This is the ultimate step,” Fields said.

Fields said he wants to keep the level of excellence and the student relationships that the district is known for.

“We need to continue to challenge ourselves to do better,” he said.

Fields was one of four people seeking the job. The three others were Mark Owens of Owensboro; Wesley Waddle of Munfordville; and Allen Barber of Eagle Point, Ore. Owens is director of personnel for Daviess County Public Schools; Waddle is assistant superintendent for Hart County Schools; and Barber is director of human resources and secondary education for Jackson County School District 9 in Eagle Point. 

Board member Frank “Hamp” Moore said Fields will receive a four-year contract.

“I will try to live up to the standards of Bowling Green Independent,” Fields said. “We have great students who make the educators look really good.”

Fields will begin his duties July 1 after Tinius retires June 30.

For more details, see Tuesday’s Daily News

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