CEO position up for grabs

Locals leaders discuss opportunity

When Atlantic Research Partners launched June 15 a nationwide search for a chief executive officer for Lorain City Schools, local leaders considered the opportunity.

So far, Lorain Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham said he will apply.

But Superintendent Bob Scott from Avon Lake City Schools said he defers to Graham.

“It would really, really be an interesting job,” Scott said. “But I have a lot of faith in Jeff Graham. He is an outstanding administrator.

“Even if I was interested in it, I would step away from it and back Jeff Graham. The superintendents in Lorain County work very well together, and we think (Graham) is outstanding. He cares about people and what

“It would really, really be an interesting job,”

— Superintendent Bob Scott from Avon Lake City Schools

we do is all about the kids. Those things we’re passionate about.

“The people at Lorain City Schools work very hard and (Graham) is getting the job done. I think he needs to be supported. I think for the long term, he’s going to do things that are right for Lorain City Schools and the kids.”

Scott said he never thought he would need to be political in a school administrator position, but the state’s biennial budget proved him wrong.

School districts share a need to key in on issues and sticking points unique to their communities, he said.

“I’ve been here 12 years now,” Scott said. “I’ve watched the struggle of Elyria and Lorain. When you see Lorain County challenges urban schools face, and when you look at the East Side districts in North Ridgeville, Avon and Avon Lake.

“We have our own set of struggles. They’re different, but they’re still struggles. Societal issues are a lot of things people in Columbus turn a blind eye to.”

Scott said he hopes Graham stays to finish the job he started.

“It’s been a long road,” Scott said. “It’s going to be tough to get where the district needs to be. But I really think he can do it.”

When Scott recently applied for a superintendent position in Mentor, his intention was not to jump ship from Avon Lake.

“I looked up Mentor because it’s an interesting district,” he said. “There are challenges I would find interesting.

“But the real reason is my wife grew up there. She has eight brothers and sisters. Her mom and dad still live there.”

In the thick of a major construction project, Elyria City Schools administrators say they’re staying home.

“I’m very happy in Elyria and I still have more to do here,” said Superintendent Dr. Tom Jama. “My heart is in Elyria now. I love it. I’m committed to building a stadium and five school buildings. I love Elyria.”

Elyria Schools Associate Superintendent Ann Schloss also found her niche there.

“I’m focused on Elyria right now,” Schloss said. “And I love my job. I’m staying put.”