SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education has launched a search for our next Superintendent of Schools. To assist and guide the Board through this process, we have retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a consulting firm that specializes in assisting school boards in identifying and recruiting executive level educational leaders.

There will be four phases to the search process: Engagement, Recruitment, Selection, and Transition. 

Currently the district is in the Selection Phase of the process. The Board is using feedback provided by community stakeholders to help inform the process.  Nearly 1,000 individuals during the Engagement Phase participated in interviews, online surveys and focus groups. Information from these interactions were used to develop a leadership profile and selection criterion that match the priorities of the Westerville community while also meeting the unique needs of the staff and the students who are served by our Westerville City Schools.  The Engagament Phase consisted of: 

A community stakeholder survey.  

Focus group Zoom sessions.

In-person focus groups (Town Hall meetings).

TIMELINE

Engagement Phase (STATUS: Complete)

Engage community stakeholders and develop a Leadership Profile and Selection Criteria that matches the priorities of the community while also meeting the unique needs of district staff and the students who are served by our Westerville City Schools. This process will occur through interviews, online surveys and focus groups. 

Recruitment Phase (STATUS: Complete)

Identify and recruit qualified and exceptionally talented leaders who would be a good fit for the Westerville City School District.

Selection Phase (STATUS: Complete)

Provide the Board with a slate of candidates using the Leadership Profile, and then facilitates the Board interviews and appointment process.

Transition Phase (STATUS: Underway)

The Transition phase consists of assisting the Board and new Superintendent to assure a successful transition.

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For Immediate Release August 15, 2023

WCSD Board of Education names next Superintendent of Westerville City Schools

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. Joseph Clark as the next Superintendent of Westerville City Schools at Monday’s Board meeting. He will begin with the district on Oct. 1.

“I'm excited to join Westerville's learning community,” he said. “It's not just about leading — It's about sharing in the adventure of learning and growth.”

“Westerville has a well-known reputation for being a school district that is about helping each student thrive socially, emotionally, academically, athletically, and in the arts. We are not just shaping careers, but also characters and a strong community spirit. I can't wait to be a part of the great things that Westerville faculty and staff do for their students daily.” 

Mark Hershiser has served as Interim Superintendent since July following the departure of Dr. John Kellogg for a Superintendent in Residence position with the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio and Columbus State Community College. 

As part of the transition of leadership, the Board approved a consulting agreement that authorizes Dr. Clark to spend up to 20 days in the district prior to the start of his Superintendency. The Board also extended a contract with Hershiser to serve as an advisor to the Board and Dr. Clark from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

Dr. Clark has been Superintendent at Nordonia Hills City Schools since 2009. He previously served as an Assistant Superintendent for Kent City Schools; Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Barberton City Schools; and a high school English teacher for Springfield Local Schools. He also serves as a Professor for the American College of Education. Dr. Clark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education and The Writing Program, his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and his Ph.D. in K-12 Leadership with a focus in School Law from Kent State University.

"Through the Engagement Phase of our Superintendent search process, we heard from staff, students, parents and community members on what matters most to them in the district's next Superintendent," Board President Tracy Davidson said. "Dr. Clark is an educational leader who matches the priorities of our community while also meeting the unique needs of our staff and students.” 

“We’re excited to welcome him to Westerville and look forward to his leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to learning that he will bring to our school district and community."

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For Immediate Release August 4, 2023

WCSD Board of Education set to enter contract negotiations with top Superintendent candidate

Following final interviews this week, the Westerville City School District Board of Education today announced they anticipate naming Dr. Joseph P. Clark, Superintendent of Nordonia Hills City Schools, as the district’s next Superintendent.

“Pending a background check, as well as the successful negotiation and Board approval of a contract, our expectation is that Dr. Clark would join our district as Superintendent on October 1,” said Board of Education President Tracy Davidson. “We anticipate implementing a transition plan once these remaining steps in the process have been completed and introducing Dr. Clark to our staff, students and community at that time.”

Dr. Clark has been Superintendent of Nordonia Hills City Schools since 2009. He previously served as an Assistant Superintendent for Kent City Schools; Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Barberton City Schools; and High School English Teacher for Springfield Local Schools. He also serves as a Professor for the American College of Education. Dr. Clark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education and The Writing Program, his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and his Ph.D. in K-12 Leadership with a focus in School Law from Kent State University.

Board of Education members received applications from 19 individuals interested in becoming the district’s next leader and subsequently completed a multi-phase process during the past four months to identify Dr. Clark as their top choice for the position.