Superintendent search narrowed down to 2

“We believe we have two finalists that meet the profile of characteristics, qualities, and experience that the school community values in their next superintendent.” — Board President Stacy Menser

The Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools Board of Education has selected two finalists for the position of superintendent after conducting an extensive search process.

The two finalists are both highly qualified candidates with extensive experience in education leadership, according to a release from the district.

The finalists are Benjamin Hegedish, superintendent of Independence Local Schools, and Dr. Patrick Ward, curriculum director of Mayfield City Schools.

According to the release, the search process involved initial interviews by Finding Leaders of potential candidates, followed by interviews with six semifinalist candidates.

In addition, the community had the opportunity to provide feedback through a number of focus groups and over 500 responses to an online survey about what they were looking for in their next superintendent.

“We had outstanding candidates to consider, and the Board is pleased with the quality of the candidates,” stated Board President Stacy Menser in the release. “We believe we have two finalists that meet the profile of characteristics, qualities, and experience that the school community values in their next superintendent.”

On April 5, the School Board will conduct final interviews in two parts. First, stakeholders from various school community groups will have interviews with the candidates, followed by final interviews with the Board of Education that evening, the release stated.

“We are grateful to the community for their involvement in the search process, and we look forward to selecting a superintendent who will collaborate with all stakeholders to provide the best possible education for our students,” Menser said.

Steve Thompson submitted his resignation to the School Board in August and took a chief operations officer position in Akron Public Schools. Charles Murphy will continue serving as interim superintendent until the newly selected superintendent begins.