New Pickett County Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said she is starting to settle into her role.
Robbins said that in her first few days in the position, she has been reading up on documents and board policies. Robbins said her first order of business is getting the schools ready for the upcoming school year.
“Just talking through different updates and policy that are coming to us and making sure that we are all on the same page,” Robbins said. “And just getting the word out there, you know, that we are here for our students, and I know that’s already a goal in Pickett County, it always has been, and making sure that we put our students first.”
Robbins said she even though she has over 20 years of experience in education, she is learning new things. Robbins said one of the things she is having to learn is how to work with the school board.
“Although I worked with board members, to know them, it’s a different way to work with the members of the community,” Robbins said. “And so I’m looking forward to continuing to meet people and find out what they’re hopes are for our school and for our students.”
Robbins said that since starting her new position, several people have helped her get acclimated.
“Our bookkeepers have been extremely helpful,” Robbins said. “My supervisor for instruction, Mr. (Kenny) Thompkins, has been extremely helpful, and you know, just being able to talk to the former director Diane Elder, if I have questions or concerns, I can also speak to her and with people in Sumner County. So I have a lot of people who are helping support, and I appreciate that because they are all great people.”
Robbins said she is thankful to be back where she grew up. Pickett County’s first full day of school is August 4.
