The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New leader Marvin Jones takes helm
With school in Euclid starting this week, perhaps no one in the district is more enthusiastic for the new academic year than Marvin Jones II, the new superintendent of Euclid City Schools.
“I’m looking forward to winning, growth and progress, and becoming part of the community,” Jones said. “I’m most excited about learning about the district and the community culture, and determining, collaboratively, what needs to be done next to enhance the learning opportunities for our kids so that they’re ready for society and the globe.”
Jones, 39, was hired in mid-April, agreeing to a three-year, $135,000-a-year contract, shortly after then Superintendent Charles Smialek notified the Euclid School Board that he was leaving the district at the end of the 2017-18 year to accept the superintendent position at Parma City Schools.
Jones began his career as an educator in 2001 teaching middle school science and has served in numerous administrative capacities, including curriculum supervisor, dean of students, athletic director, middle school principal and exploratory principal.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University and his master’s from Marygrove College in Detroit. He expects to receive his doctorate from the University of Dayton this month.
The married father of four said the transition from Springfield, Ohio, where he most recently served as director of secondary education, alternative education and hearing officer, to Euclid has been smooth so far.
Jones was attracted to the district for a variety of reasons.
“The fact that Euclid City Schools is an urban district presented an opportunity
for me to be a part of a community and school transformation that benefits the children and community at large,” he said. “Euclid is a tight-knit community, small enough to impact real change — and it’s happening. The previous superintendent absolutely did a great job initiating the strategic planning process and creating corresponding teams of people to bring it to fruition. I believe in strategy, but I also believe in creating the conditions for success. This requires an intense and unrelenting focus on establishing a culture of learning at all levels, from students to teachers and staff, to administrators and the community. And I absolutely believe in partnership between the district and the community.
“I feel I bring a fresh perspective, diverse personal and professional experiences, rural, urban and suburban, energy, creativity, compassion, competence and commitment,” Jones added. “I also bring knowledge of what is required to break through the grip of poverty and defy the odds of being a young, black male growing up in an impoverished, drug-ridden, high-crime neighborhood.”
Striving for true engagement and excellence at all times, Jones believes the district’s future couldn’t be brighter, especially with
the “Finish the Job” facilities and classroom improvements project underway.
“It’s truly exciting to be a part of the new (facilities) project. Our children deserve the best in every way possible. I thank the community for believing in our kids and our staff. It truly speaks to how much we are supported. School districts are open systems. We have to meet the needs of our community and vice versa. The district can’t do it by itself. There has to be synergy.”
Jones’ ultimate goal as an educator, and personal mission as a public servant, is to ensure every child walking through the doors of Euclid Schools is set for a prosperous future.
“I want them to leave fully equipped with the skills and the dispositions necessary to be successful in college and in their careers,” he said. “I want to use my education, my background and my position to do for our children what people did for me. I want to help make Euclid a better place.”
Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail said she’s impressed with Jones’ accomplishments, vision and commitment to the youth.
“I look forward to our strong partnership and working together to continue the progress at Euclid Schools and to strengthen our community.”