Ron Harbaugh, Director of Communications for Topeka Public Schools confirmed to Hays Post this morning that Mike Hester, PhD is going to work for Topeka Public Schools. “ The Topeka Board of Education announced at Thursday night’s meeting that Hester has accepted a job as General Director of Secondary Education for USD 501. He will oversee six middle schools and five high schools,” said Harbaugh.

Hester spent 13 years as principal at HaysHigh School

“I am getting to move to the next level that I wanted to in my career,” Hester told Hays Post. “We were pretty picky and looked at a lot of opportunities and turned down several but this was exactly the opportunity, helping secondary principals after being a principals for 23 years that’s where I feel like my strengths are and where I can offer to help people in the field.”

Family played an important role in Hesters decision, “We circled Kansas City and said the job we want has to fit inside this radius so we are close to family in Shawnee Mission and Olathe. It just really worked for our family situation and for my career,” said Hester.

“We are truly blessed. The past 13 years have been some of the best work of our career. It’s been the best community to work for. This is a people business and people are the best gift I can give as a principal is the teachers that touch the student’s lives everyday. That’s why I’m an administrator.” Hester will begin his new job on July 1.