Photo submitted by Jessica Hoban

Starting in August of 2024, Jessica Hoban started her new job as assistant principal at OHS. “I really enjoyed being so welcomed at Oakville, and I hope to continue what I’m doing,” Hoban said, “and I hope that I’ve been received well here.” Hoban felt excited to join the staff at OHS.

Last year, OHS only had three assistant principals, so the freshman class was split up amongst them. This year, OHS welcomed another administrator, Jessica Hoban, so that the class of 2027 would have a principal of their own going into sophomore year.

Prior to becoming a principal, Hoban taught photography and graphic design at Rockwood Summit for nine years. However, she started to think about trying something in administration but doubted her ability to do it. Instead, she tried counseling but didn’t enjoy it. Then someone told her she’s made a good principal, so that’s when she decided to switch her degree and graduated with it in 2021.

“This is my second year as an assistant principal. My first year was out at Saint Charles West High School,” Hoban said. 

She moved to Oakville because a position became available and she wanted to be closer to home. So far she has enjoyed how welcoming the community at OHS has been to her.

“My favorite part of this job is seeing the students in their element,” Hoban said.

When Hoban isn’t busy with other work, she observes classes around the building. She oftentimes will include herself in the assignments and projects that students do. While she enjoys the easy days where she can have fun in classes with students and teachers, sometimes her job can be difficult.

“The hardest part of this job is probably trying to get to know all of the students,” Hoban said.

Making sure that all of the students feel welcomed at OHS is very important to Hoban. She tries to have conversations with students and get to know everyone to make sure she can be successful in making everyone feel comfortable in the school. 

“I’m not just someone handing out detentions…” Hoban said. “I’m really here for you, too.”

Even though her job can make her look like a disciplinarian, she does try to make sure that students know that she really does care about their feelings.

“You guys can come to me for anything,” Hoban said. “My door is always open.”