Board Narrows Superintendent Applicant Pool to Nine

12/18/2012

Westerville City School District Board of Education’s search for a new superintendent generated 20 applications from around the country and Board members on Monday reduced the pool to nine candidates who will be interviewed during the week of January 7, 2013. The nine candidates include:

Vincent Colaluca, superintendent, Austintown Local Schools;
Steven Estepp, executive director K-12 curriculum & instruction, Hilliard City Schools;
James Herrholz, associate superintendent, Ohio Department of Education;
George Joseph, executive director of administrative services, Worthington City Schools;
John Kellogg, assistant superintendent of curriculum, South-Western City Schools;
Deborah Piotrowski, superintendent, Xenia Community Schools;
Michael Sawyers, acting superintendent of public instruction, Ohio Department of Education;
John Stanford, deputy superintendent, Columbus City Schools;
Phillip Wagner, superintendent, Licking Heights Local Schools.

“We’re pleased with the number and quality of the applications we received,” said Board of Education President Kevin Hoffman. “After a thorough review of their qualifications, all candidates that will advance in the process come from Ohio. Having a superintendent who already is familiar with Ohio’s education and school funding systems will allow a smoother transition when they assume the leadership of our district.”

Hoffman noted that the Board is still on track with its original time line to complete the interview process in January and announce their selection in early February. He also expressed appreciation for those staff and community members who completed a survey or participated in the focus group process.

“The input we received has been extremely valuable,” Hoffman said. “I’m confident that we will be able to identify a leader for this district who exemplifies the personal and professional characteristics identified by those who provided feedback to us.”