LOW MOOR, Va. (TVR) – The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division Board has appointed Thomas “Ty” Dobbs as the school division’s activity director and administrator on special assignment.
In this role, Dobbs will lead athletic events and other student activities. The appointment was approved by the school board on Monday, March 13. Dobbs has been the principal at Sharon Elementary School since July 2019. He will remain at Sharon through June 30. On July 1, he will be elevated to his new position.
Will Fields will continue to serve as acting activities director through June 30. Fields was appointed to the post on an interim basis in January. He has already been named as varsity head football coach at Alleghany High School. Dobbs has previous experience as an athletic director.
“The board feels confident that Mr. Dobbs’ leadership experience and understanding of the position will be instrumental in a smooth transition as we enter into this exciting new era in the Alleghany Highlands,” said Jacob Wright, chair of the AHPS Board.
Dobbs, an Alleghany High School graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise, sport, and health education from Radford University in 2005. He also holds a Master of Science degree from Radford in administration and supervision and educational leadership. He received his post-graduate degree in 2010.
Dobbs was employed by Botetourt County Public Schools for nearly two years as a health and physical education teacher. He joined Alleghany County Public Schools in July 2007, teaching health, physical education and driver’s education at Alleghany High School. During his 7 years at his alma mater, Dobbs also served as varsity softball coach and as an assistant boys’ varsity basketball coach.
In 2015, he was named as the Blue Ridge District’s Softball Coach of the Year after leading his team to a district championship. Also, in 2014-2015, Dobbs was named as the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s Teacher of the Year at AHS.
In 2014, Dobbs served as interim assistant principal at AHS, and he was appointed as an assistant principal/athletic director in July 2015. He served in those roles for three years before being named as a full-time assistant principal in 2018. A year later, he left AHS to become the principal at Sharon.
“I have been very fortunate to work and serve with a wonderful staff, and a great school and community at Sharon,” Dobbs said. “Working with the staff at Sharon Elementary and communicating with both teachers, and the community, has been a true blessing that has allowed me to grow as a leader in several areas.”
In his new position, Dobbs will oversee student activities in Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, including athletics. His experience as an administrator, athletic director, and coach will provide vital leadership to AHPS in this pivotal time as it moves toward full consolidation of schools in the fall.
The activities director’s position has been revamped to allow more emphasis to be placed on students. As administrator on special assignment, Dobbs will also complete strategic planning activities related to athletics and other activities, including supporting planning for improvements to facilities that will leverage Dobbs’ leadership skills from his years as a principal.
This work has not been fully assigned to previous athletic/activities positions, and the school division is enthused about the capacity present in this revision of the earlier roles, school division leaders said.
“Our focus is on our students, and we are very thankful that Mr. Dobbs brings significant school leadership and activities leadership experience to this newly redesigned position,” said Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS. “We are truly thankful Mr. Dobbs will be able to bring his experiences to important conversations about facilities and school spirit, and we look forward to his contributions. He is in a great position to encourage our student athletes and those who participate in activities in their work in the classroom also.”
In the fall, students will begin attending a single middle school, located in the current Covington High School building, and a single high school, located at Alleghany High School in Valley Ridge. The combined middle school will house grades 6-8, and it will be called Covington Middle School. Alleghany High School will serve grades 9-12.
The school board will appoint a new principal at Sharon Elementary School in the near future. Dobbs’ successor will be in place to assume principal duties after he leaves June 30.
“We know Mr. Dobbs has made great contributions to Sharon Elementary School, and we will all work carefully to support the school with the selection of the next principal,” said Halterman and Snead-Johnson.
For leadership positions, the division’s selection process begins by evaluating applications and then continues to panel interviews.
“It has truly been a pleasure to be a part of the Sharon Elementary School family. I have been fortunate to work with wonderful teachers, students, and the community over the past four years. I have learned so much from them that I will forever be thankful for. They are the best,” Dobbs said.
