Departing superintendent, principal recognized at Avon Schools Board of Education meeting

AVON — Two longtime Avon Schools administrators who will be leaving their positions for two different reasons were recognized at the district's Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening. Superintendent Mike Laub will become superintendent of North Royalton Schools on July 1, following a retirement there. The news was announced Friday. Meanwhile, Avon Middle School Principal Craig Koehler will retire after this July following 43 years total in education. He has been on Avon Schools' administrative team since 1994. A crowd of about 25 people was on hand at Avon Middle School to recognize both men's achievements at the schools. Multiple residents urged the board to make sure the next superintendent will be someone who carries on the success of the district, preferably an internal hire. A statement on behalf of the board, read by President Tara Tatman, congratulated Laub on the achievements Avon Schools has earned since his arrival in 2012. A new middle school was opened, new classes were offered and a new performing arts center is set to open this fall at the high school. "We are so appreciative of your leadership and guidance while here," the statement read. Two board members, Tatman and John Weigman, voted against accepting Laub's resignation. Tatman said her "no" vote was partly a symbolic gesture to show that there was not unanimous approval for Laub leaving the district. Weigman said he is not happy to see Laub go because he has been so good for students and the community. He said the board offered Laub a salary in the same ballpark as what he will earn in North Royalton, so his departure does not appear to be for financial reasons. Laub also said his decision was not financially driven, but a combination of several factors including geography. Some members of his family live nearer to North Royalton. "Decisions like these are family decisions. My family and I talked about it, particularly my wife. We felt like it was time for that change to occur," he said. "Quite honestly, she teaches in Strongsville. Now I will work in North Royalton. In two years, we are going to move there." But for now, he said he loves Avon and will do what he can to make sure the district stays running at a high level after he is gone. Koehler's retirement was accepted unanimously by the board. He was described by Laub as "such a good man" who was a blessing to work with. Following the regular meeting, the board discussed an internal candidate for the superintendent position in a closed-door executive session. No action followed. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.