On February 7th, Assistant Superintendent Mr. Tim Hamman announced his retirement from his role in Mentor Public Schools. This announcement comes after eight years in the position of Assistant Superintendent, serving kindergarten through 8th-grade students in the school district. Working alongside other administrators such as Superintendent Mr. Craig Heath, Mr. Hamman has been instrumental in maintaining the high-level education that students receive in Mentor Schools.
In his thank-you letter sent to staff members on the 7th, Mr. Hamman expressed his deep gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to work alongside them and serve students throughout the district. Mr. Hamman also offered numerous compliments to the staff, praising their commitment, resilience, and caring spirits as talented professionals in education.
Every week, the administration team for Mentor Schools meets to discuss their ongoing efforts and the next steps forward for the district. Mr. Hamman is directly involved in each of the meetings held by school administrators and has been a key player in each of the team’s accomplishments. When Cardinal Nation spoke to Mr. Hamman, he was quick to mention that any of the accomplishments “have been a team effort,” emphasizing his continued gratitude to his fellow educators and their continued hard work to benefit students.
To conclude his letter to the staff, Mr. Hamman bid a deeply respectful farewell to the school district, saying he “[looks] forward to seeing the district continue to grow and succeed.” Mr. Hamman’s retirement becomes effective at the end of this contract year, but his work in the Mentor Schools will live on through the various board policies, student safety initiatives, and curriculum adjustments he and the administration team have enacted. Cardinal Nation asked Mr. Hamman a few more questions about his experience in the position over the years, allowing for an exclusive chance to look at an administrator’s view of the district and a personal look at the man who benefitted thousands of students.
Cardinal Nation: Looking back, how long were you in this role, and what were some of the most rewarding moments you experienced in this role?
Mr. Tim Hamman: This is my 8th year in this role with Mentor Schools. My most rewarding moments have been working with our district and building administrators to problem-solve. I enjoy helping and working with our Mentor staff. I also enjoy helping parents.
Cardinal Nation: What challenges did you face as an administrator?
Mr. Tim Hamman: COVID was the biggest challenge. There was a great deal to plan for and many topics/situations our district administration had to problem solve and come up with solutions.
Cardinal Nation: How has the role of an Assistant Superintendent changed since you first took on this position?
Mr. Tim Hamman: The political climate in schools has become a microcosm of our country in general.
Cardinal Nation: What are some initiatives or programs you’re most proud of implementing during your time with Mentor Public Schools?
Mr. Tim Hamman: I am very fortunate to be part of our district administration team. This group meets on a weekly basis to work through so many topics and plans for how best to continue moving our district forward. Any new initiatives or programs have been a team effort.
Cardinal Nation: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing public education today, particularly in Northeast Ohio?
Mr. Tim Hamman: Political agendas. This is not just in Northeast Ohio. It is a concern across our nation.
Cardinal Nation: Do you have any future plans—whether personal or professional?
Mr. Tim Hamman: I will continue to travel with my wife and also enjoy our grandchildren. Professionally, I still have energy to do some kind of work. I have no plans at the moment for what that may be. I like staying busy and keeping my mind active.
Cardinal Nation: What would you like the staff and students of Mentor Schools to remember most about your time here as Assistant Superintendent?
Mr. Tim Hamman: That I care about others and I am willing to listen to concerns others may have.
Cardinal Nation: How do you think schools can best support students in developing their voices, whether in academics, extracurriculars, or even platforms like student newspapers?
Mr. Tim Hamman: Our district has so many opportunities available to Mentor students in all areas, from academics, to the arts, extracurriculars and career pathways. We are very fortunate to provide all of the programs we offer that many smaller districts do not have the resources to fund.
Cardinal Nation: What’s your perspective on AI and its potential role in education?
Mr. Tim Hamman: I am a fan of AI. It can be a help in education, but we need parameters on how to use it in the classroom
On behalf of Cardinal Nation, the student body, and the Mentor Staff, thank you Mr. Hamman for the work you’ve done for the district, and hope you feel proud for the students you’ve helped achieve greatness. We wish you well in your future ventures.
