Gahanna names Deagle as next superintendent
Gahanna-jefferson Public Schools’ next superintendent will be Tracey Deagle, a former Dublin City Schools educator who has worked as an assistant professor of educational leadership at Mercer University in Atlanta since August 2021.
The school board voted unanimously on Monday to hire Deagle as superintendent effective Aug. 1 at an annual salary of $178,000.
Steve Barrett, who has been superintendent since Aug. 1, 2016, is retiring effective July 31.
Deagle will serve as a part-time consultant until then and began visiting school buildings to meet staff and the community Monday, said Judy Hengstebeck, district spokeswoman.
She said Deagle would be paid a per diem rate of $684.62 from Monday through July 31.
“Dr. Deagle impressed the board with her visioning and strategy skills, passion for public education and ability to unite many different perspectives around common goals and solutions,” said Beryl Brown Piccolanatonio, school board president. “She has a strong background in developing a supportive and thriving culture.
Deagle, 47, worked for the Dublin City Schools for seven years, with her last role being deputy superintendent from June 2019 to August 2021. She also worked as principal of Davis Middle School from August 2014 to June 2019. Prior to that, she was assistant principal at Hilliard Darby High School.
“I am excited and honored to have been chosen to lead the great students and staff of Gahanna-jefferson Public Schools,” Deagle said. “While already an exceptional district ‘where students come first,’ I intend to work collaboratively to lead with a common vision, strong communication and care to support students in reaching their unlimited potential.”
She said she’s “thrilled” to begin, starting with a listening tour.
Deagle and her family plan to move to the Gahanna area, according to a district news release.
“We look forward to working together as we continue to support our mission to inspire, nurture and empower all students,” Piccolanatonio said.
Deagle has degrees from Ohio State University, Indiana University and the University of Dayton
mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com