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Incoming Caroline school superintendent has ties to the area Date published: 6/21/2008
BY JEFF BRANSCOME Gregory Killough's recent visit to Caroline County took him back in time about 25 years. During a trip to Caroline after accepting the job of school superintendent there, Killough met a school employee with whom he taught in Fauquier County. The two worked for a principal who is now a superintendent in Floyd County. Both taught the principal's son, who later became the school chief in Giles County "We both laughed about it," he said. "Just reminisced. Told old stories." He saw another person with whom he worked 17 years ago during a stint as an assistant principal in Virginia Beach. Killough, 48, takes over as Caroline school superintendent July 1. He replaces Stanley Jones, who is retiring at the end of the month after six years in the post. Killough is currently superintendent in Wise County in Southwest Virginia, but says he's familiar with the Fredericksburg area. He began his teaching career at Taylor Junior High School in Fauquier and has a sister-in-law who lives in King George County. "We used to come down all the time to Fredericksburg," he said. "Beautiful community." Killough said he likes Caroline's location because it offers the best of both worlds. "It's easy access to the Fredericksburg area or Richmond area, but you still have the rural-ness," he said. Professionally, he said, he doesn't see any major challenges facing the school division. "The biggest thing I want to do is try to get to know the community," he said. That includes visiting the schools often, he said. "I enjoy being around the young people," he said. "I love watching teachers do their thing. It's like magic." The youngest of his three daughters, Abigail, will be a junior at Caroline High. His other daughters attend the University of Virginia at Wise. During last week's tour in Caroline, he said a teacher told him he picked a good day to make an appearance "because it's the last day of school and everybody's happy." That won't be the case at all School Board meetings, where parents often vent. Killough said he will work with all parties affected by decisions. "If you come with an issue, try to come with a hopeful solution," he said. His wife, Cathy, hopes to find a teaching job in the Fredericksburg area. The family is looking for a house in Caroline, which Killough calls a student-centered community. "They focus on children," he said. "By observing them, you see that it's more than saying it. They really try to live it." Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 6/21/2008
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