MOUNT VERNON — Larry Gibbs is the new public information officer at Knox Educational Service Center in Mount Vernon.
Gibbs has an extensive background in local media, and was previously managing editor of the Mount Vernon News.
Let’s meet him:
KNOX PAGES: Can you explain your role at KESC?
LARRY GIBBS: My role at Knox Educational Service Center is to help the public understand the role of the ESC. I also will work with each of our client districts — Centerburg Local, Danville Local, East Knox Local, Fredericktown Local, Knox County Career Center, Mount Vernon City and Clear Fork Valley Local — to generate publicity on matters of their choice.
KNOX PAGES: What can you tell us about your background in educational public information and working with the media?
LARRY GIBBS: I served as public relations coordinator for Mansfield City Schools for 12 years until my retirement on July 1, 2020. In that capacity I interviewed students, teachers and administrators for hundreds of stories about what was happening throughout the district. I posted those stories on the district’s website and Facebook page and shared many with local media. I provided direct support to the superintendent, including writing more than 40 of his weekly “fireside chats.” Also hosted more than 250 weekly episodes of “Inside Mansfield City Schools” on WMFD-TV.
KNOX PAGES: What attracted you to this position?
LARRY GIBBS: Knox ESC had searched for several months without success for a qualified candidate to serve as its first public information officer. After a year of retirement I decided I could be effective in a return to public service, so I talked with Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley about how we could greatly expand the public’s understanding of the ESC while supporting our client districts. Knox is my home county, so I am especially excited about this work.
KNOX PAGES: What is the role of KESC?
LARRY GIBBS: Knox ESC operates two districts-wide programs: Public and special needs preschool instruction for students ages 3 and 4, and the Learning Center, which provides alternative school instruction and supervision for students ages 5 through 21. The ESC also provides school psychologist services and screens and hires classroom aides, bus drivers and other employees for its client districts.
KNOX PAGES: Can you outline your background in the Knox County community?
LARRY GIBBS: I moved from Indiana to Knox County in 1987 when I was selected to be the managing editor of the Mount Vernon News. Later I served as managing editor of the Delaware Gazette and city editor of the Mansfield News Journal, but continued to live in Knox County. I am familiar with Knox County issues and acquainted with many residents.
KNOX PAGES: What is the most important task for KESC as the new school year is about to begin?
LARRY GIBBS: The most important role for the Knox ESC as the school year begins is to help client districts fill all personnel positions in which the ESC is involved as quickly as possible. There is a shortage of applicants for many positions, not only in Knox County but throughout the state.
KNOX PAGES: Anything you’d like to add we didn’t ask you about specifically?
LARRY GIBBS: Prior to my 12 years with Mansfield City Schools, I was a newspaper editor for more than 30 years and served five years as the Terre Haute district office manager for the congressman from Indiana’s 7th District. My entire professional career has centered on communicating honestly and effectively with the public. That’s a role I look forward to continuing here in Knox ESC.
