Lorain Schools CEO search resumes

LORAIN — The district is resuming its CEO search. Lorain Schools Academic Distress Commission Chairman Randall Sampson said the Educational Service Center of Lorain will handle the process to have a new CEO in place in the next roughly eight weeks. Prior to suspending the search in mid-April due to COVID-19, the district was set to use Finding Leaders, an Independence-based search firm, as it was the only one to submit a proposal to the state. That search would have cost the district an estimated $23,855. Sampson said the ESC did not submit during the original request for proposals, but recent discussions brought forward a $3,000 price tag. The search was suspended, as the district — and others throughout the state — were focused on moving to remote learning for the rest of the school year. With Gov. Mike DeWine announcing plans to reopen some businesses in the state in the coming weeks, Sampson said the Academic Distress Commission felt it was time to restart the search to get the most "elite" leaders possible. "We're not looking for training day here," he said. He said they are looking for someone with leadership experience, either as a superintendent or in building or administration. Under House Bill 70, the 2015 law that allowed for the state takeover of Lorain, Youngstown and East Cleveland schools, the CEO is not required to have a superintendent's license. CEO David Hardy Jr., who left the district in early January, did not. Interim CEO Greg Ring has a superintendent's license valid through 2023, according to the Ohio Department of Education. The Education Service Center will screen initial applicants, whittling a pool down to be interviewed by Commission and School Board members remotely. From there, the public, including religious and business leaders, will have a chance to chime in via livestreamed or video conferences with the top candidates via submitted questions. The Commission will have the final say on the new CEO. Having public input is important, Sampson said, along with input from the local school board. Ring's contract expires July 31. The hope is to have the new CEO onboard in June to allow for a transition period, Sampson said. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.