Superintendent

Yaw Obeng is a seasoned educational leader currently serving as the Superintendent of Hickman Mills C-1 Schools, a vibrant and historic community institution with a legacy spanning over a century. His unwavering commitment to preserving the community's rich heritage drives his relentless pursuit of data-driven excellence and establishing strong, quality partnerships to benefit the families within the HMC-1 school community.

 

With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Yaw Obeng has worn multiple hats, including Superintendent, Principal, and District Administrator. He came to Hickman Mills C-1 Schools in July 2020, following a successful tenure as the Superintendent of the Burlington School District in Vermont, the state's largest and most diverse district. During his time there, Obeng and his Board of Education were honored with the prestigious "Excellence in Leadership" award by the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA). He also shared his knowledge by teaching education policy at the University of Vermont.

 

Prior to his role in Vermont, Obeng held pivotal positions in Canadian education, notably serving as Superintendent and Senior Administrator in the Toronto District School Board and Halton District School Board. Notably, he was the first Canadian Superintendent invited as a National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) member in the United States.

 

Yaw Obeng's career highlights include a remarkable track record of enhancing student achievement significantly improving literacy and numeracy scores across multiple districts. He masterminded the successful realignment of nine school boundaries, accompanied by innovative program strategies that propelled elementary achievement data and secondary math scores beyond an impressive 80%. His educational leadership was further recognized when he was honored as a "Who's Who Top Executive 2021."

 

Obeng's commitment to education and business management leadership is rooted in his extensive educational background, which includes:

 

●       Doctoral Studies in Advanced Undergraduate Studies Special Education/Counseling from the University of New Brunswick and Rotman School of Executive Management at the University of Toronto.

●       Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Administrative Guidance and Counseling Psychology from the University of Toronto.

●       Masters Certificate in Business Performance and Risk Management from Schulich School of Business at York University.

●       Bachelor of Education in Biology, History, Health Sciences from the University of New Brunswick.

 

Yaw Obeng is not confined to the walls of educational institutions. He actively seeks collaboration opportunities with community and business organizations, driving innovative initiatives. His expertise has taken him around the world, where he has trained and presented on crucial topics like student achievement, leadership, community engagement, safe and inclusive schools, and equity issues. Obeng is a sought-after keynote speaker, with engagements that include addressing the Beijing China Educational Symposium and presenting in diverse settings such as Africa and Israel.

HMC-1 Superintendent Yaw Obeng is focused on student success. For Obeng, Student Success includes Student Achievement, Social-Emotional Health, Ethical Development and Physical Development.

 

To create successful students, Superintendent Obeng philosophy is equip and train leadership and staff. The Obeng Administration’s Student Success plan encompasses a wide range of topics, each designed to provide tangible advantages to students through the training and equipping of families, staff and community members. The goal of the plan is to give HMC-1 families the Future They Want. That future includes being prepared to take on the challenges of life which include career, family and global citizenship. 

 

In this plan, student success is achieved three ways. The first is through the systematic alignment of our district that creates responsive leadership, equitable practices, and fiscal responsibility with our resources. The second is through academic achievementin our school that involves targeting full accreditation by maximizing attendance, establishing academic strategies for change and focusing on extra-curricular opportunities for each student. Third, the plan depends on our community partnering with classrooms, individual students and their families. 

●      Student Achievement: Developing minds with an aptitude for acquiring knowledge and communicating skillfully.

●      Social-Emotional Health: Enhancing empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence, making leaders that influence change in their community.

●      Ethical Development: Focusing on the understanding of how human rights and social justice meet to predict the outcome of our student's development and future.

●      Physical Development: Promoting mental and physical wellness by developing healthy habits of exercise, a well-balanced diet, and proper amounts of rest.

System Alignment: The administration understands the importance of a well-aligned educational system. Through collaboration and coordination across all levels of education, we strive to create a seamless transition for students, ensuring continuity and maximizing their learning potential.

Academic Achievement: Academic achievement is a priority of Superintendent Obeng’s administration. That includes seeking state accreditation which would mean that students are receiving a high-quality instruction according to state standards. Academic Achievement ensures that our students have the foundation they need to pursue their chosen paths successfully.

Fine Facilities: Providing top-notch facilities and resources is essential for student growth. We invest in modern facilities, technology, and resources that enhance the learning environment, enabling students to explore, create, and excel.

Above & Beyond is an HMC-1 Superintendent Yaw Obeng initiative that will recognize scholars who demonstrate a commitment to their educational development in various aspects of school and the community. 

Throughout the school year, Superintendent Obeng highlights students reaching for the stars through academic achievement, contributing to their school or community through service, showing leadership, or modeling good character and citizenship. Students who receive the Above and Beyond award will also receive prizes and monetary gifts. The Above & Beyond Initiative is funded through personal donations from Superintendent Obeng and contributions from individuals and organizations in the community.