Ronald Hobbs retiring from School District after 34 years

Published 2:40 pm Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Ronald Hobbs, Assistant Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, is retiring September 2, 2005, after 34 years of service to the district. Hobbs has held his present position for the past 12 years, serving as an assistant to Patricia Parks, Charles Blalock, and currently Harry Pennington.

In his resignation letter to Superintendent of Schools Harry Pennington, Hobbs stated, “My thirty-four years association with the Hamilton County School Board has been a time of growing and learning, and I greatly value the personal and professional relationships that I have developed through the years. I know the things I have experienced while working for the Board has made me a better person…”

As newlyweds, Hobbs and his wife, Helen, moved to Jasper in 1969, when he began his first teaching position at Hamilton County High School. He taught Agriculture Education and was the FFA sponsor for ten years.

During this time Hobbs worked with many students, parents and grandparents, and was active in various farm organizations. The FFA Chapters at HCHS during this period produced many state and national winners, as well as a state officer.

Later, Hobbs continued his career, serving successfully as principal of Central Hamilton Elementary for 12 years and principal of North Hamilton Elementary for one year.

Ronald Hobbs will be greatly missed in the school system, and it can truly be said, he has made a difference in the lives of many individuals. Pennington said, “It will be hard to find a replacement for Mr. Hobbs that brings to the position his vast amount of experience.”

Kim Fenneman, administrative assistant to Hobbs, said “Some bosses you are glad to see go and others are more difficult to let go. Mr. Hobbs is one you hate to see leave. I’ve enjoyed working for him and with him on many projects over the years. It has been a joy and I wish him much happiness. He deserves it.”

After his retirement, Hobbs will provide contracted services for fire and safety inspections for educational facilities in the school districts of the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC). He plans to continue maintaining his primary residence in Hamilton County, while making frequent visits to his farm located in Walton County.

He said, “I can’t get too far away from my daughters, Shelby and Heather, and three grandchildren, Adelia, age 8; Griffen, age 3; and my new grandson, Brock, who lives in Lake City.”

Hobbs’ wife, Helen, also an employee of Hamilton School Board, will continue in her position as the principal’s secretary at HCHS.