FAIRBORN — After 44 years of service to Fairborn City Schools, Director of Business Affairs and Classified Personnel Ed Gibbons has retired.
Gibbons started his teaching career at Blacklane Elementary School in 1973 in which he served as a student-teacher for fourth-grade children. He continued from 1973 through 1992 as a fifth grade teacher at Five Points Elementary School, later serving as assistant principal of Baker Middle School beginning in 1992. At the same time, he served as a adjunct instructor and clinical faculty member at Wright State University from 1996 until 2004.
He began serving as the director of business affairs and classified personnel for Fairborn City Schools in 2002 until 2017.
“There was never a doubt in my mind that this is a great place to live, great people,” Gibbons said. “The city and the school district have been outstanding to work with and I couldn’t imagine living in a different place other than the City of Fairborn. There are so many great things happening with the school district and city right now and this is an exciting time. I kind of hate to leave right now, but I know that great things will keep happening.”
Fairborn City Council hosted a special proclamation in his honor, resulting in July 17 being declared “Ed Gibbons Day” in the City of Fairborn as well as Fairborn Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick issuing him a mayors coin. Greene County Commissioner Tom Koogler also honored Gibbons during the meeting, highlighting Gibbons’s role during the FCS’s annual hall of honor ceremony.
“Throughout Mr. Gibbon’s career, he has touched the lives of many students and associates, served on numerous committees, received many awards and provided both guidance and friendship to many,” Kirkpatrick said.
New leadership
In response to his retirement, a number of new individuals are taking on leadership roles within Fairborn City Schools. Gene Lolli, who served as principal of Fairborn High School, is now serving as the director of business affairs. Amy Gayheart, former assistant principal, has been promoted to principal of Fairborn High School. The school now includes two assistant principals, including Jason Skidmore and Deb Hauberg.
Gayheart is starting her 20 year with FCS, totaling to 22 years in education. She taught English language arts at Baker Junior High for seven years, another seven years at FHS in the same subject and finally as assistant principal at FHS for the past five years.
She has served as a cheer coach, academic challenge coach, National Honor and National Junior Society advisor and NewsHawk newspaper advisor.
“Fairborn is my hometown and I love being able to give back to the community by serving our families through Fairborn City Schools,” Gayheart said. “Our students are amazing and it is a privilege to work with them each day.”
Gayheart received the Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce Award Fairborn City Schools Education Award in 2017 and the Fairborn Education Foundation Teacher Recognition Award in both 2012 and 2013.
She likes to cheer for the Buckeyes and make jewelry in her free time.
“I will strive to base every decision I make on what is best for students,” Gayheart said when asked what her goal was for this school year. “I want to make every effort to put students and their needs first — that is why we are here.”
Meanwhile, Brad Holt is now principal of Baker Middle School, with Chris English and Stephanie Reynolds serving as assistant principals.
Betsy Wyatt is continuing to serve as Fairborn Intermediate School principal; the assistant principal is Tammy Gerdreau. Meanwhile, Vicki Hudepohol is principal of Fairborn Primary School and Patty Greist, Valerie Herman and Jill Bennett are serving as assistant principals.
Bennett, a Fairborn High School 1993 graduate, has moved up the ranks from a kindergarten teacher of 18 years, to her new role.
“For the upcoming school year, she wants to help support all staff and students in being the best they can be to grown themselves and Fairborn City Schools,” Public Relations Specialist Pam Gayheart said in an email.
Bennett was voted “teacher of the year” for Fairborn Primary School in 1999 and received the Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce Award Fairborn City Schools in 2016. She earned her bachelors and masters degrees from Wright State University, in addition to her masters degree in 2016 in educational leadership from Antioch University. Bennett enjoys spending time with her sons, working outside and walking her dogs.
“[She] is extremely excited to continue her commitment to FCS in her new leadership role-in the district she grew up in,” Gayheart added.
