PLSD opens nationwide search for next leader - Other Community News - Ohioans for Responsible Rural Development

ThisWeek Community News
Published October 19, 2011

By Nate Ellis

The Pickerington Local School District is eyeing an Aug. 1 deadline for securing a full-time superintendent after officially opening its search.

On Oct. 7, the district announced it officially began its search for former superintendent Karen Mantia's full-time replacement by posting its vacancy on the PLSD web site, as well as websites for the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, the Fairfield County Education Service Center and the Ohio School Boards Association.

"We are looking for someone who will work with the board, staff, students and community at large to continue the tradition of strong academic achievement and the sound fiscal management of human and capital resources," board President Lisa Reade said.

A Nov. 25 deadline for applications has been set, but district officials said they may not make a hire before Aug. 1. In the meantime, the PLSD board and superintendent search consultant Al Meloy will seek input from district employees and community members during forums on Oct. 25 and Nov. 15.

"That opening will be posted for six weeks," Meloy said. "It will be a nationwide search."

The district hasn't set a projected salary for the position, but Meloy said it will be competitive with the central Ohio market for superintendents at districts similar to Pickerington.

Mantia, the district's superintendent from March 2007 to last Aug. 1 when she resigned to become superintendent of Lakota Local Schools near Cincinnati, made $144,000 annually as Pickerington's superintendent, plus an additional $63,492 in benefits, bringing her total compensation to $207,492.

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