Mathes has been educator, principal for 30 years

SOUTH POINT —  South Point schools has appointed one of its graduates and longtime educators as the new superintendent.

Chris Mathes, a lifelong resident of South Point, attended South Point Schools kindergarten through 12th grade. He graduated from South Point High School in 1987 and went to Ohio University to pursue an education degree.

He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, with a concentration in math and social studies, in 1994 and his Masters of Education in School Administration in 1999. He also has an elementary/middle school principal certification as well as a superintendent certification from Ohio University.

Mathes has been an educator and administrator in the South Point Local School District for the past 30 years. 

After a year of substituting, he taught self-contained fifth grade for three years, before transitioning to teaching departmentalized fifth grade mathematics for four years at South Point Elementary. 

For one year, he served as assistant principal of South Point Elementary. 

Starting in August 2003, he took on the position of principal of South Point Elementary and held that role for 21 years. During his time as principal, his school has maintained a focus on academic excellence and in 2018 was a School of Momentum recipient. This commitment to serving students and promoting a culture of success was evident in South Point Elementary’s 4.5/5 rating on the Ohio State Report Card. 

The board said he has been a positive influence and role model to thousands of students, taking the time to show his student body that he truly cares about their well-being. Mathes could be found interacting with students and staff on a daily basis, making the school a positive and inviting place to learn and grow. Being a constant in the lives of countless students, staff, and community members has been a mission that he has met with pride.

Mathes said he is excited for his new role as superintendent for the South Point Local School District. 

“Serving the community that I know and love in this new capacity is truly an honor. I am excited to continue to put the best interests of all students first, while providing avenues that allow for positive growth and achievement,” Mathes said. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen the partnerships with our South Point families and community. There is power in Pointer Pride!”

Mathes will officially begin as superintendent on Aug. 1. 

He will continue his work within a leadership capacity in the district until then.

Mathes and his wife, Stacy, who has been a teacher in the South Point district at Burlington Elementary for 29 years, have reared their sons in the South Point community they have called home for so many years. Stacy, and their twin sons, Tanner and Tyler (27), also attended South Point schools kindergarten through 12th grade. While their sons are now architects in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, they always speak with pride about their hometown of South Point.