Academic Distress Commission member to step down

The Lorain Academic Distress Commission will search for a new member.

The state-appointed commission oversees the Lorain City Schools under the state law known as House Bill 70, which governs struggling school districts in Ohio’s “academic distress” rating.

Michele Soliz has stepped down from her post on the Lorain Academic Distress Commission.

Soliz worked at the University of Toledo as associate vice president for student success and inclusion.

A 21-year worker there, Soliz earned her master’s degree and doctorate and worked in a number of areas at that school.

She will leave to become vice president of student affairs at Indiana State University.

“It was a wonderful experience to work with people who cared so much about the community and the children of Lorain City Schools,” Soliz said. “I’m sorry that I have to leave, because I think we were doing really good work.

“I think the direction of the district is moving in the right direction, so I’m confident that things will move forward.”

“She served well. Her focus has always been on representation of students and families of color to make sure there’s equitable distribution of resources and access as we’re trying to move forward in the ADC components and keep Lorain on track.” — Randall Sampson, chairman of Lorain Academic Distress Commission

Soliz notified the Lorain Academic Distress Commission earlier this month, said Randall Sampson, chairman of the Commission.

“She served well,” Sampson said. “Her focus has always been on represen- tation of students and families of color to make sure there’s equitable distribution of resources and access as we’re trying to move forward in the ADC components and keep Lorain on track.

“She served really well, with her full heart, so it’s sad to see her go. But people’s careers and professional roles are a factor in people’s lives, and the Commission members are happy for Soliz for her new job,” he said.

The Ohio Department of Education staff will work on a replacement process to begin soon for a new member of the Lorain Academic Distress Commission, said Mandy Minick, chief communications officer there.

The other Commission members are Patricia O’Brien, Steve Cawthon and Cel Rivera.

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL FILE The Lorain Academic Distress Commission met at the Lorain High School Performing Arts Center on Nov. 13, 2019. On March 15, Commission member Michele Soliz, second from left, has stepped down from the post as she prepares to take a job in Indiana. The Ohio Department of Education will appoint a new member to the board that oversees the struggling district, which is the state’s “academic distress” rating.

Soliz