Mitchell White to lead Lake Ridge Academy

He brings nearly three decades of exceptional achievement in both education and business management.

The Lake Ridge Academy Board of Directors has announced the unanimous selection of Mitchell F. White as the next head of school, according to a news release from the school.

White, whose appointment is effective July 1, will succeed Carol Klimas, who announced her retirement in July after serving as president of the school since June 2007.

White serves as dean of academic planning for the Weber School in Atlanta, according to the release.

He brings nearly three decades of exceptional achievement in both education and business management, the release said.

White earned a bachelor of arts degree from Duke University, a law degree magna cum laude from Georgia State University, a master’s degree in secondary school history from Emory University, and most recently, a master’s degree in education in independent school leadership from Vanderbilt University where he was recognized as a Peabody Honors Scholar.

Prior to entering the field of education, White spent 19 years in marketing and senior management roles in for-profit companies, most recently at GMAC Insurance, where he was chief marketing officer. In 2008, he joined the faculty at the Weber School, a 270-student independent Jewish high school located just outside Atlanta, according to the release.

During his tenure at Weber, he served as a full time social studies teacher, director of technology, grade level dean for the 11th and 12th grades and mock trial coach, in addition to his current role as dean of academic planning, the release said.

White also serves on the board of the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, a 650-student, K-8 public charter school where he is currently in his third and final year as board chair.

During his tenure, the school’s significant accomplishments include raising more than $13 million in public and private funding for its multi-school teacher residency program, and becoming the first charter school in Georgia to adopt a weighted lottery designed to increase the socio-economic diversity of its student community.

White, a native of Wyoming, Ohio, said he looks forward to returning to his home state and joining the Lake Ridge Academy community.

“During my recent visit to Lake Ridge Academy, I found a remarkable school with outstanding academic programming, an expansive campus and a strong sense of mission,” he said. “I saw a vibrant and growing community that reflected excellence across the board.

“What truly stood out, however, were the warmth, openness and confidence of the people I met. I could tell everyone — teachers, staff , students, parents, alumni and directors — had a love of the school and a shared sense of purpose. I knew immediately that I wanted my family to become a part of this unique community.”

“I am grateful, humbled and energized by the confidence the Lake Ridge Academy community has placed in me.”

Lake Ridge is at 37501 Center Ridge Road in North Ridgeville.

White