New School Superintendent - Job Offered! - UPDATED!

[Jim O'Bryan]

The number one question on everyone's mind this week seemed to be the search for the new Superintendent to lead the $125 million dollars in school improvements the community has invested in. Last week I had the good fortune to run into Board of Education member Linda Beebe, but I do not remember the conversation ever hitting on the search. I do know that they set the bar extremely high with their search criteria which was based on experience and years if not decades of experience as a prior superintendent in a school district that was either similar, or similar enough to make the change seamless. There was also a demand on depth of knowledge on curriculum, as with the schools finished that would be the most pressing issue over the next couple years.

The pressure on the new Superintendent will be heavy and learning curve steep, as not only did we loose a good superintendent with Jeffery Patterson retiring again. But we also lost his partner for the past couple years Asst Superintendent Roxann Ramsey to North Ridgeville where that system did what could best referred to as a full court press to get her, with her background in both curriculum and growing school districts issues to name but a couple of her assets that were sought by many other districts in the area.

Other demands that were not up for debate were a willingness to move to Lakewood, which will make the integration of the new Superintendent into the very large school system tough for the first year at least. This is but one of many reasons current Superintendent Jeffery Patterson told the Board of Education as soon as possible that he was stepping down. Allowing the BOE to seek out and get the best possible candidate available throughout Northern Ohio. Asst Superintendent Roxann Ramsey remained committed until the call from other districts were so loud and attractive. At the Lakewood Schools assured her they preferred Superintendents with extensive experience that they felt only comes from being long time Superintendent even looking towards another one coming out of retirement.

No matter I am sure the Board of Education who knows Lakewood School needs as they set the criteria, will come through. Current Superintendent and Asst Superintendent are onboard through July making the need to announce immediately not the most pressing issue for Lakewood Schools.

Stay tuned!

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[Jim O'Bryan]

HOTTEST RUMOR


Dr. Michael Barnes, Assistant Superintendent, Mayfield City Schools, and Director of Human Resources and Business Services

Got a call last night from a friend with the Heights Observer saying a friend of theirs with the Mayfield Schools District, that their Asst. Superintendent Dr. Michael Barnes has been offered the job by Lakewood Schools to be our new Superintendent!

If this proves to be true, Good Luck Dr. Barnes, and we look forward to working with you and continuing our work with Lakewood Schools, and our 4th Superintendent. You are going to love Lakewood Schools, students, teachers and administration!

More to follow.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Did members of the Lakewood Board of Education violate Sunshine Laws in the selection of our new Superintendent?

More than one person involved says, "YES!"

http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180306/o ... s-violated

Why can't any of our elected officials just be honest, transparent, and accountable to those that elected them?

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