Salem School Division Superintendent, Dr. Curtis Hicks, is pleased to announce that veteran employee Hunter Routt has been named the Director of Administrative Services. She replaces Dr. Forest Jones who is retiring this June after 30 years of distinguished service to the children and parents of Salem.

“We extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes to Dr. Jones on his retirement,” said Hicks. “His unwavering commitment to Salem City Schools and the broader community has been instrumental in making Salem a great place to live, work, play, and learn.”  

“Dr. Jones and I met working as tour guides at Roanoke College,” said Routt. “Since then, he has remained both a friend and colleague. I am honored to follow in his footsteps.” 

Routt brings that same commitment to excellence to the position. She joined the Salem School Division in 1994, and she has served as a teacher, summer school principal, gifted coordinator, International Baccalaureate coordinator, an assistant principal at the middle and high school levels, and an elementary school principal.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Routt into this new role for Salem City Schools,” said Hicks. “Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the unique needs of our students, staff, and families across the PreK-12 spectrum and these diverse perspectives will guide her as she works to support and strengthen our school community.”

Routt earned her bachelor’s degree in education and psychology from Roanoke College and her master’s in educational administration from the University of Scranton. She has been the principal of East Salem Elementary School since July 2019.

“It has been my pleasure to work in Salem throughout my career,” she said. “Our Schools have an incredible, dedicated staff across the entire division, and I look forward to contributing to our continued growth and excellence in many ways in my new role.”   

In her new role, Routt will oversee school discipline, facilities, transportation, food service, and nonresident enrollment.  

“All of these areas have changed and evolved since I began my career as an educator, but the one thing that has remained constant is the mission to consistently provide a nurturing environment for our young people where they feel comfortable to learn and grow,” she said.

“With over 30 years of dedicated service in our division, Hunter not only brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the position, but she has cultivated many valuable relationships that will assist her immediately,” said Hicks.

Routt’s appointment was approved at the March 20 School Board meeting. She will transition to her new role on July 1, 2025. The search for a new principal at East Salem Elementary School will begin immediately.