“It’s not even school bond issue time, and yet we have the school superintendent as our guest,” laughed John Fechner as he introduced Koln Knight to his fellow Lions Club members. Fechner was introducing for absentee Lion of the Day, Fred Caudle.
Over the years, the running joke between Lions Club and previous superintendent Eddie Williams was that the only time he came to visit was at bond issue time. Koln Knight took over the helm as Superintendent of Cushing Public Schools July 1st, when Williams retired.
Knight, a native of South Dakota, spoke highly of the 23 years he and his wife Nancy have spent in the community. “When we moved here in 1986 we said we’d stay until something better came along,” Knight said, “we’ve never found any place better.”
The Knights have two children, Karson and Kyle.
“I’m sold on this community,” he said. “I feel at home in this position – it’s a super, super system.”
Knight has been a part of the system as well as the community, not only as a Cushing wrestling coach – but prior to accepting the position of superintendent, Knight served as principal of Oak Grove School.
A 2 time division national wrestling champ himself, Knight says the sport taught him to always work to be the best – something he intends on continuing in his new position.
“I have high expectations of our teachers and coaches – as well as myself,” he said. “I look at character. I believe it’s the key ingredient – to be able to lead by example.”
As superintendent, Knight said he will strive to be a good steward of the financial aspects of the district. “I want to get the most bang for our buck,” he said with a smile.
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