District
Our Mission
Dedicated to helping all students achieve their full academic potential.
Vision
Athens Area Schools is committed to providing a quality education for all students within a respectful, caring environment. Our schools strive to be a family-friendly place where people want to send their children to learn and where students are excited and motivated to achieve excellence. We are dedicated to helping young people become independent, well-rounded, contributing members of society. It is our hope and passion to see that our students are prepared for the world, have the tools and skills necessary to succeed in life, and are challenged in becoming confident leaders for tomorrow.
District Administration
Compliance Officers
The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the District’s "Compliance Officers" (also known as "Civil Rights Coordinators")
Sinking Fund Renewal
Good Afternoon,
The passage of the Sinking Fund renewal by the voters of the Athens Area Schools is a tremendous achievement that will greatly benefit the students and community. On behalf of the Athens Area Schools, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity.
Your investment in the district's future has already enabled numerous important improvements, and this renewed funding will now allow us to tackle critical infrastructure projects such as:
- Upgrading the domestic water system
- Renovating outdated restroom facilities
- Enhancing lighting across the campuses
- Improving parking lot conditions
As we move forward with these much-needed initiatives, we will be sure to keep you, the valued members of our community, regularly informed about the progress and impact of these investments. Your trust and commitment are truly inspiring, and we are honored to partner with you in shaping the educational experience for the children of the Athens Area Schools.
Again, our sincerest thanks for your support. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future for our students and community.
Respectfully,
Kipp
Welcome New Principals!
We are thrilled to welcome two outstanding leaders to our school community as our new principals! Their experience, passion for education, and commitment to student success will be invaluable as we continue to grow and thrive together.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new principals as they begin this exciting journey with us. They bring fresh perspectives, a deep dedication to collaboration, and a shared vision for fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving school culture.
We look forward to the leadership and inspiration they will bring to our schools, and we are excited for the opportunities ahead.
Welcome aboard—we’re so glad to have you with us!
Meet Mr. William Heffner, Principal of Athens Junior/Senior High School
Mr. Heffner brings a unique and dynamic background in education, leadership, and military service, grounded in a student-centered philosophy and a deep commitment to academic and personal success for every learner. A true servant leader, he is passionate about loving and serving the Athens community with integrity and purpose.
Mr. Heffner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Northwestern Ohio and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. He is currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree, also from Western. His professional journey includes distinguished service as a U.S. Army veteran, where he served as a Supply Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), developing leadership skills rooted in accountability, collaboration, and service. Originally from Quincy, Michigan, Mr. Heffner is thrilled to begin this new chapter with Athens Area Schools.
He is fully committed to fostering strong, meaningful relationships with students, families, staff, and the broader school community. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Heffner is a devoted husband and proud father of four children—William, Elayna, Micah, and Zachary. He and his wife, Emily, cherish their family time together. When not with his family, Mr. Heffner enjoys staying active in the weight room, playing sports, and hunting.
Mr. Heffner looks forward to learning and growing alongside the Athens community and is excited about the incredible things they will accomplish together.
Meet Mrs. Amy Hughes, Principal of East Leroy Elementary
With over 23 years of dedicated experience in education, Mrs. Hughes brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role as principal. Her career has included serving as a classroom teacher, math specialist, and instructional coach—each role deepening her commitment to supporting student success and staff development.
Mrs. Hughes is a strong advocate for fostering a growth mindset and is committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment where all stakeholders—students, staff, parents, and the wider community—feel valued and empowered. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, equity, and continuous learning.
A resident of Battle Creek, Michigan, Mrs. Hughes enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Gene Hughes II, and their two children, Anthony and Gianna. Outside of school, she finds joy in gardening, relaxing by the pool, and time with her family.
Mrs. Hughes is excited to lead with heart and vision and looks forward to a year full of learning, growth, and community partnership with the Athens School District.
Alumni News
Continuing Success
All personal stories must be in regard to current or past students or staff of Athens Areas Schools. The stories must be submitted or approved by the families of the person or persons included in the stories. Administration must give approval to these stories as well. All stories must place Athens Area Schools in a positive or neutral position. The story will be posted on the website on the appropriate page for a maximum of 60 days.
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
