District names new director of operations

The Avon Lake City Schools Board of Education recently approved the hiring of Ned Lauver as director of operations, according to a March 19 news release.

Lauver replaces Tom Barone, who in December accepted a director of operations position for Hud- son City Schools.

Lauver began working in the district this month and his contract runs through July 31, 2023.

Lauver comes to Avon Lake City Schools after serving for the past eight years as assistant principal at Westlake High School.

In 2018, he was named the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year.

Prior to working in Westlake, he was the associate principal at Edgewood Middle School in Wooster for two years.

He has taught at Wooster High School and Carrollton High School in Carrollton.

His classes ranged from U.S. History, World Studies and American Government; to Honors American Government; and Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics, the release said.

Lauver also has served as a speech and debate coach.

“I am very happy to be serving the Avon Lake City Schools,” Lauver said. “As someone starting midyear, I know that my role is to listen, learn and serve.

“I want to learn as much as I can over the next few months and be a good team member. I genuinely appreciate how welcoming everyone has been.”

Lauver said he looks forward to transitioning from building administrator to a central office role in a school district.

“This position will enable me to merge the business side of school administration with our primary focus and that is the kids,” he said. “We always strive to do what is in the best interest of students, while serving the larger school community.”

He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Baldwin Wallace University majoring in history and education, with minors in political science and theater.

In 2009, Lauver received his master’s in education from Baldwin Wallace University.

Lauver holds a superintendent’s license from Ashland University, as well as an educational doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.

“Avon Lake had an excellent search process in looking for our new director of operations,” said Bob Scott, superintendent of Avon Lake Schools. “Ned distinguished himself among a tremendous pool of candidates.

“I am very happy to have him as part of our team here at Avon Lake. Ned has hit the ground running and I look forward to working with him in the future as he maintains our outstanding facilities and programs, while looking at things with a fresh view as to how we can get better in the future.”

Lauver resides in Avon with his wife, Nikki, and their three young sons, Julian, 9, and identical twins James and Ethan, 6.

New assistant superintendent

In other district news, Jack Dibee was promoted to assistant superintendent from director of curriculum.

“The duties of administrative team members must evolve as the needs of staff, students, families and communities shift,” Scott said. “I am excited to be able to work with Dr. Dibee in the role of assistant superintendent.

“Since beginning his tenure with Avon Lake two years ago, he has shown an outstanding work ethic as well as focused dedication to the success of all students. Jack has been invaluable in this year of crisis with the pandemic, and I see a tremendous future for him as we move to more normal times.”

Lauver