New interim public school leader named
Woolard is 3rd person in position within 3 years
For the third time in three years, Ohio has a new interim state superintendent to oversee the education of our 1.6 million public school children.
His name is Chris Woolard, and he’s the current Chief Program Officer at the Ohio Department of Education.
“I’m just impressed with his experience,” State Board of Education Member Meryl Johnson said. “We need someone in that position who has experience with the department.”
The Miami University graduate will replace Stephanie Siddens, who is leaving in July for a position with the Upper Arlington School District after nearly two years as the interim superintendent.
Woolard’s election comes at a tumultuous time for the state board and ODE. Republicans in the House and Senate are moving forward with a plan to change who oversees public education in Ohio.
The board has 19 members (11 elected and eight appointed by the governor), and their job is to focus on a long-term vision for public education. Practically speaking, that means they develop guidelines, educational standards and strategic plans. The superintendent then takes those policies to state lawmakers and local educators.
Senate Bill 1, which Senate President Matt Huffman, R-lima, has promised to fold into Ohio’s budget, would strip almost all of those educational responsibilities and give it to the governor’s office.
It would also create a new director of public education, who Gov. Mike Dewine would appoint. The State Board of Education would be relegated to processing teacher licenses and revocations. And the state superintendent’s role would be downgraded to an advisory position.
That’s one of the reasons why it has been so challenging for the state board to move forward with picking a permanent superintendent.
Woolard will earn $202,321 annually (about $97 per hour) until the board can hire a permanent replacement.
Anna Staver is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
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