Shane Hood is leaving.

But he’s also not going anywhere.

Kingfisher Heritage Elementary’s principal announced last week that he’d accepted the superintendent’s position at Aline-Cleo Public Schools.

“Becoming a superintendent has been a goal of mine and this new position will be a tremendous opportunity for me,” Hood said.

“While I am excited to become an Aline-Cleo Cougar, I will forever be a Jacket,” said Hood.

Accepting the new position ends a six-year tenure at Kingfisher Public Schools for Hood, one that’s seen him serve as principal at three different schools and work under three superintendents.

However, the Hood family isn’t leaving.

His wife, Janet, teaches at Gilmour Elementary School. Their oldest daughter, Kylie, will be a senior at KHS next year. Their youngest, Addison, will be a freshman.

“My family and I have come to love this school district and marvelous community,” Hood said.

“The love for this community and school played a large part in our decision to have my family remain living in Kingfisher. This decision will allow our daughters to continue their education, and my wife can continue to be a part of the excellent teaching staff.”

Thus comes the next part...

figuring out how to navigate a life that sees him working 75 miles away from the rest of his family.

“We will prayerfully figure out how to manage our careers and family while working in two different locations,” said Hood.

But it’s a challenge Hood said he’s ready to accept as he’s sought the role of superintendent while gaining experience as principal at Kingfisher.

He was first hired as the Heritage principal at KPS by then-Superintendent Jason Sternberger prior to the 2017-18 school year.

He was also the district testing coordinator and the next year took on the roles of district technology director and elementary curriculum director.

A shuffling of staff just as the 2020-21 school year was getting started saw Hood serve as principal at both Heritage and Gilmour simultaneously while maintaining his other director duties.

Makylah Tollefson was hired as Gilmour’s principal by then-Superintendent Dr. Daniel Craig during the 2021-22 year, easing Hood’s workload.

However, he began this year as both the principal at Gilmour and Kingfisher Upper Elementary.

Some shuffling by current Superintendent David Glover moved Erin Michael from the high school to KUE, allowing Hood to focus solely on Heritage.

He continues to maintain his roles as district testing coordinator and elementary curriculum director.

“Mr. Hood has always done what is best for the Kingfisher school district in his time here,” Glover said.

“I appreciate that about him and wish him the best at Aline-Cleo.”

Hood calls his time at KPS “an incredible experience,” one that he’ll be able to carry over to Aline-Cleo.

“I’ve had the opportunity to serve and learn under three remarkable superintendents with different leadership styles,” Hood said. “My time working with them as well as the other wonderful principals here at KPS has given me the opportunity to learn many diversified approaches on how to lead a district.

“I will look back at my time here fondly and draw from my many leadership experiences.”

Hood also acknowledged the people with which he worked everyday.

“I would be remiss if I did not extend a heartfelt ‘ thank you’ to all of the incredible students and families that I have had the privilege to work with and serve,” he said.

“Finally, the most amazing part of my time at KPS has been working with so many phenomenal teachers and staff. They all made being a Jacket an incredible experience that will remain with me forever.”

While he will be frequentng the route between Kingfisher and Aline in the meantime, Hood officially takes over his new role on July 1.

As for his replacement at KPS, Glover said he’ll work to address the need.

“I will evaluate the landscape in the coming weeks and will decide how to move forward in filling any administrative roles,” he said.