Page 35 - Athens New Comers Guide 2023

Another of Dr. Hooker’s goals is to increase
mentorships with students. On that winter evening
he had several retired business people offer to
support his program. He has even challenged
District Office personnel to volunteer as mentors.

Reading proficiency is behind throughout the nation
– the pandemic didn’t help – and Dr. Hooker wants
this to improve here. Creature Comforts Brewing
Company operates a nonprofit, Get Comfortable,
that is partnering this year with Books For Keeps
to increase reading proficiency with the county’s
second and third graders.

Dr. Hooker sees another opportunity within
the faith communities. He mentioned that
within miles of every school there are several
churches. He envisions churches “adopting”
a school with members coming in as mentors
and supporting morale.

A highly respected leader with previous
ties to CCSD and more than a decade of
administrative experience in Clarke County
schools, Dr. Hooker began his career in
education as a classroom teacher. He was
named Georgia High School Principal of the
Year in 2013 at Clarke Central High School. After
serving as Superintendent for High Schools in
Henry County and Social Circle City Schools,
Dr. Hooker is excited to return and join the leaders,
teachers, and staff here in Clarke County School District.

“I’m excited about being back in Athens-Clarke
County. I look forward to improving student
learning and building a better partnership
with our community and being transparent
with our stakeholders to build trust,” he said.

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