With the 2026-2027 school year in full swing, Northwest R-1’s new superintendent said his initial goals are focused on building relationships and enhancing thorough communication across the Northwest community.
“It’s been a very positive month to come together as team members,” said Kyle Gibbs, 48, of Hillsboro. “We (staff) have been working well together, making sure we had a solid plan for the start of the school year. There has been lots of energy and good ideas flowing.”
Gibbs, who stepped into the role of superintendent on July 1, said the transition has gone smoothly as he is getting the chance to tour all the buildings, meet with principals, staff and cabinet members, and attend community events.
“We are working hard on building relationships across the district with the staff and then with leaders in the community and the different organizations that help out our schools, like the chamber, rotary club and first responders,” Gibbs said. “Communication is also an area that I’m really working hard to ensure that, within the school, staff and the community hear a consistent message.
“We want to share a positive message and one that shines a bright light on our district.”
Gibbs said a focal point will be to encourage strong academic achievement with all students.
“We want higher rigor; we want higher expectations and then higher academic achievement for our students across all levels,” he said. “We are being as future-focused as we can, maintaining as many programs as we can for our students, but also looking at what other opportunities we could offer for students.”
Gibbs said the district will be focused on preparing and equipping students for the future.
“There was a focus group with students last year, and they were very vocal about how they don’t want to just be reliant on it (AI),” he said. “We need to teach them how to use that effectively, so it doesn’t become just a crutch for them.
“The high school teachers were digging into that and how they could use AI correctly. We eventually will roll that out to the students in the next few years and make sure that we are very careful and use it productively while still protecting themselves.”
Beyond his focus on academic achievement, Gibbs said he also would be attentive to the district’s finances.
While the district is in a stable place right now with its reserves, he said state funding has become a point of uncertainty.
“Funding is always an area where, across the state, revenue is not really great right now,” he said. “So, eventually that impacts the budget and affects schools because that’s a big line item in the state budget. We have to be prepared to ride out any uncertainty with that.”
In an effort to enhance communication within the district, Gibbs said he hopes to cover district events and other happenings in a video series he is calling “Northwest Now.” The videos would be posted to the district’s media platforms.
Gibbs is also considering creation of a podcast that would use student voices, alternating with staff voices, to educate the community about the different things going on at Northwest.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity and being able to highlight all the great things Northwest has to offer,” he said. “Our leadership team has come up with a theme, which plays on the word ‘ROAR.’ It stands for rigor, opportunity, attitude and resilience.”
Gibbs said he wants to engage more with the community through different communication methods, like surveys or anything the district shares, so that the district can continue to get feedback, grow and learn.
“When they (Northwest community members) see me out and about, don’t be afraid to talk to me and share how you feel, what your child, grandchild or relative is experiencing here at Northwest, so we can continue to grow and reflect on our practices,” he said. “I’m just excited to be able to serve this community. This is the final stop on my education journey. Until then, I’m here, planted and ready to serve and give the best of the last years of my career for this community.”