Leader leaving district

Levy renewal request removed from May 8 ballot because of upcoming leadership transition

Euclid Schools Superintendent Charlie Smialek announced that he has verbally accepted a position with another school district, but will remain with Euclid Schools until the end of the 2017-18 academic year.

In view of Smialek’s decision, the Euclid School Board on Feb. 26 voted to remove its levy renewal request from the May 8 ballot, opting instead to ask voters to renew this November, according to a Euclid Schools news release.

Moving the issue will not affect future levy collections, and the board will place the same issue on the November ballot, with no additional money being requested.

In preparation of the impending change, Euclid School Board will focus on finding a new superintendent, the release stated. The board will oversee the search and ensure that the district acts quickly to advertise and seek candidates for the position. Information about the search process will be detailed on the district’s website.

The process will also include opportunities for parents, staff and residents to provide input about their expectations for the next superintendent.

The district hopes to have that person identified by early April.

Community members will have the opportunity to take part in a focus group at the Euclid Public Library at 7 p.m. March 14 in the Shore Room. For those unable to attend, a survey will be available at www.euclidschools.org.

Smialek has served as superintendent since July 1, 2016. Prior to that position, he served one year as assistant superintendent.

“While we were not expecting this news, we are moving forward and dedicating our time and effort to finding the right leader for Euclid Schools,” said Board President Donna Sudar. “We know that Dr. Smialek loves our district and that we all will work towards a seamless transition. We wish Dr. Smialek well in his next position.”

The news release did not specify information on Smialek’s new job or where he’ll be working.

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