King: Excitement For First Day Of School Continues

Director of Putnam County School System Corby King said he still feels butterflies as a new school year approaches.

King said the feeling of butterflies remains when a new school year starts up, only that it’s different from how it was at other times in his career. He said his attitudes towards building success in education remain, but that the change in task makes him excited and nervous in a different way.

“Every year that I was in the classroom, or even as a building administrator, those butterflies were all about, you know, I wonder what this group of students is going to be like,” King said. “Because every group is different, every class has its own personality and it’s just getting to know your students, getting to know the staff; I think the butterflies now are just, what’s going to be next?”

King said his responsibilities now are larger and more geared toward the coordination of administrative staff, academic programs, and safety operations, as opposed to the more personal interaction he had in his previous positions. He said though the challenge is great, he is excited for the future and the opportunity to serve the county.

King also said he hopes the feeling of nervousness never leaves because it means he cares about the work and the impact his decisions will make.

“It’s about hoping everyone gets off to a good start, and safely,” King said. “I think if I ever stop having the butterflies it’ll be time to find something else to do, and I hope that’ll be a long long time away.”

King said this year in particular will be interesting because he has appointed many new principals and staff, and he hopes their performance and the response from the community will be positive.