Russell Hughes is One Election Away from Making History!
Walton High School Principal, Russell Hughes, is looking to make history. The veteran educator and current Walton High School Principal is the republican nominee for Walton County Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Hughes would be the first African-American Superintendent of Schools elected in Walton County, after defeating Jennifer Nick in a close Republican Primary. His opponent in the November 8th general election is longtime Democrat Mike Davis, who is running as a non-affiliated candidate.
“Russell is just the kind of person we need as Superintendent of Schools,” says Walton County Republican Executive Committee Chairman, Tim Norris. “He’s sharp, smart, a true leader, a Christian and a pastor – the kind of person we need to maintain the foundational and educational principles this country was founded on. Nothing is more important to Walton County than the education of our young people and no one is more equipped to lead our public schools than Russell Hughes.”
By all accounts, Mr. Hughes has had a stellar 20+ year career here in Walton County, “coming up through the ranks” as teacher, coach and administrator.
There have been a numerous accolades along the way. Under his leadership, Walton Middle School was selected as one of the top 20 schools in the state. In 2007, Hughes was assigned to Walton High School as principal. The school soon made significant academic progress. In his eight years as principal, the high school has consistently ranked above average in Florida state. For the past two years WHS has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s best high schools. In 2015 the school was again named as one of the 50 “most inspiring schools” in the country with only two from the State of Florida being so named. Undoubtedly, many county residents have heard these accolades before.
“I want to do for the 8,000 students of Walton County what I’m doing for the 800 at WHS. I know what it takes to progress and I’ve gained the trust and confidence from the community to work together as a team.” He said the key is to first create the “expectation of success” for all students. “No two children are alike and no two children perform at the same level. But all students can and will progress from their own individual level.” says Hughes.
Principal Hughes shared his vision of three essential pillars in the educational process. First, each student must be prepared for “commencement to community.” This means academically, socially and in citizenship. Secondly, “We believe in pressing and progressing. Every child, no matter the background or ability is being pressed to be better and every child is expected to progress.” Finally, Mr. Hughes believes in local control of education and understanding the effects of funded mandates and directives from the State and Federal government is paramount. “We must never subject our students to strategies and directives that are doomed to fail.”
On a personal note, Russell resides in DeFuniak Springs with his wife Lori. The couple have been married for over 20 years and have two children. Their daughter teaches Spanish in Paxton and their son has medical school aspirations.
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