I have known Gary Kuehn for many years and have had the privilege to witness his commitment to Hamilton County Schools throughout his career.
I first met Gary when, as a college student, I was trying to enter Hamilton County as a history teacher. Gary was a science teacher at Central High School and I remember talking with him on many occasions as I substituted at CHS. We discussed his teaching philosophy and as a fellow soccer enthusiast we also talked about his approach toward coaching soccer.
Later, when I moved to Murfreesboro to begin my own career in education and coaching, much of the advice he had given to me began to resonate as I developed my own philosophy. His input was very much appreciated by myself as a young teacher/coach, just as his assistance to students and players over the years has had a massive impact on who they became as adults.
He didn’t have to spend time with me as a rookie teacher but he chose to do so because he goes above and beyond what is expected—-much like many teachers do to develop students into young citizens.
When I moved back to Hamilton County I had the opportunity to encounter Gary’s leadership as he served as the assistant principal at the school where I was teaching. That experience re-emphasized to me just how much Gary was truly respected by his students and staff. In the most recent years, I have had the privilege to see him work with students, staff and parents as the principal at Hunter Middle School and the Adult High School as he developed the Future Ready Institute that is still going strong today.
Throughout these years, I have seen, like most who have interacted with Mr. Kuehn, that he is someone who can get things done for his students because stakeholders trust his actions and judgment. He has devoted the majority of his career to those in District 9 as he taught and coached at Central High School and has been a very capable administrator in this district.
His recent retirement from HCS and announcement of candidacy for the District 9 School Board position should be a welcome relief for all of us that live in District 9. Mr. Kuehn is definitely one candidate that has the experience needed to fill the big shoes left by Dr. Highlander. Thus, for these reasons, Gary Kuehn has the experience, ability and talent to be an influential voice for our district given the chance to represent us on the school board.
I hope you will join me by voicing your support for Gary Kuehn for the District 9 School Board.
David Carpenter