Oakwood makes several staffing changes

Oakwood school officials have made staffing changes due to two recent personnel issues.

Traci Hummer has been named acting principal at Smith Elementary, replacing Lynn Cowell, who is out on extended medical leave. Hummer has been the school’s counselor since August 2017.

Paul Buford will fill the counselor role left open by Hummer’s appointment.

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“Mr. Buford brings with him several years of school counseling experience at the high school level and a wealth of knowledge to facilitate the academic, career, and social-emotional learning for all kids,” Director of Educational Services Allyson Couch said.

Along with fellow counselor Teresa Harris, the duo is responsible for setting up the popular Coffee with a Counselor program that is schedule to run three to four times a year.

The program gives parents and the community an opportunity to learn more about the school counseling program, build partnerships and work together to best support students in and outside of the classroom.

Nanci Koepke will be joining the Smith Elementary office team to replace Administrative Assistant Janet Bourne, who died recently.

“The Smith Elementary team is working together to help staff and students deal with this loss,” Couch said.

Koepke has served as the administrative assistant at the Lange School for 18 years.

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Couch explained that all of the staffing moves will provide stability in the school’s operations.

“Our goal is to provide stability to students and staff, meeting their academic and social and emotional needs,” she said. “These new team members are familiar with Smith and Oakwood schools and will be able to help students and staff deal with these changes.”

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