The Eufaula Board of Education voted in a special meeting Thursday morning, March 26, to hire Brian Hummingbird to succeed current superintendent Monty Guthrie, who is retiring this summer. Currently serving as the high school principal at Warner Public Schools, Mr. Hummingbird has worked with district staff and the community on a shared vision of success and growth.

“As a board, we focused on academics in our search, and Mr. Hummingbird not only has extensive experience in the classroom but has shown to be a successful administrator at Warner, with his school site receiving an “A” rating each year throughout his tenure as principal,” Eufaula Board Vice President Martha Asher said. “Mr. Hummingbird is familiar with Eufaula schools and our community and has an exceptional reputation as a strong leader who can continue to bring Ironhead excellence to our district.”

Mr. Hummingbird will step into his role as Eufaula superintendent on July 1.

With over 30 years’ experience in public education, Mr. Hummingbird is dedicated to creating a positive experience for his students and staff, focusing on building community connections, improving facilities, and creating new, exciting opportunities for students. Mr. Hummingbird leads by example, inspiring those around him to support student success and growth.

“My experience as an education leader has provided opportunities to grow leadership skills in myself and those I serve,” Hummingbird said. “I have developed a strong desire to be successful and to lead others to success. My strong belief in character development, positive commu- nication and building community relationships will help lead the charge to continue the tradition of excellence at Eufaula Public Schools.”

Mr. Hummingbird is a firm believer in upholding a standard of excellence, for academic and extracurricular activities, that is built upon a foundation of collaboration, hard work and commitment to success.

“I am excited to be a part of the tradition and excellence that surrounds Eufaula Public Schools,” Hummingbird said. “I’ve been fond of Eufaula for a long while and was drawn to the close-knit, community atmosphere that revolves around Ironhead Pride. My goal is to enhance and protect the values of Eufaula Public Schools and its community, continuing the excellence of those before me.”

Mr. Hummingbird first began his career in education, serving as a coach and teacher at Coweta and Glenpool Public Schools. He gained his first experience as an administrator as the principal at Ellington Elementary in Wagoner. He has also served as the Warner Athletic Director and the Wagoner Indian Education Director, which encompassed the district’s Title VI and Johnson O’Malley programs.

Mr. Hummingbird is involved in his communities, serving as a deacon at the Coweta Assembly of God Church, a United Student Ministry Youth sponsor and nursery worker, as well as coaching little league soccer, baseball, football and basketball. Mr. Hummingbird received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and his Master in School Administration from Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow.