Fayette County Schools Superintendent Gary Hough Education said he believes education is the great equalizer.
“We as educators must create a culture and learning environment that motivates students. The future of our state and country are based on strong public education system which educates all students no matter their current situation in life.”
As superintendent since July 2020 and a member of the Fayette County Schools community since 1980, Hough said he feels lucky to live and work in Fayette County, which is rich in outdoor beauty and adventure.
“The people have treated my wife, and I like family since we have arrived in Fayette County, West Virginia. We have found a kindness that has made this our life-long home. We have been truly blessed to work and live in Fayette County.”
Superintendent Hough has worn many hats during his time in Fayette County. For five years, he taught third and fourth grades before serving as an elementary school principal for 10 years and a middle school principal for 14 years. His co-workers may be surprised to learn he worked as a part-time assistant manager of grocery store for nine years when he was a principal. He also ran the Oak Hill Swim Club and coached swim teams in addition to many youth sports.
“I also had the opportunity to develop one of the first in-school wellness centers in West Virginia and served on National School Health Council for a three-year term. I was Director of Transportation and School Services for six years, and I was Associate Superintendent of Schools for three years before retiring in 2018.”
But he couldn’t stay away for long. Superintendent Hough acted as a consultation for Fayette County Schools working with principals on school improvement and consulted on the redesign of bus routes for the mass consolidation that occurred during the 2019-2020 school year.
Superintendent Hough graduated in December 1978 from California State College with a degree in elementary education and substituted before coming to West Virginia. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Marshall University.
“I have loved being an educator because of the ability to impact lives. I truly believe education is a calling not a job. I have loved sharing ideas and working with others since an early age that is why I quickly returned from retirement.”
His wife of 42 years, Betty, is a retired special education teacher and together they share two children, Justin and Kelly. Their son Justin is a principal in Preston County and has served nineteen years in the West Virginia Army National Guard, and their daughter Kelly teaches fourth grade in Preston County. When Superintendent Hough isn’t busy leading his district, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren Juliet and Jasper.
Getting To Know Superintendent Hough
Favorite Book: “Personal and Authentic” by Thomas Murray
Favorite Movie: Hidden Figures
Favorite Song: ”You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban and “Take Me Home” by Restless Road/Kane Brown
Favorite Hobbies: “My favorite hobbies include traveling and spending as much time as possible with my family.”
Professional Affiliations
- West Virginia School Superintendents’ Association (WVASA) | Member
- School Superintendents’ Association (ASA) | Member
- West Virginia APT | Former President