Clear Fork Valley Local Schools appointed a new leader to its helm when Janice Wyckoff was officially named superintendent during a special Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening.
In a unanimous vote followed by a round of applause, the board offered Wyckoff a warm welcome to the district. Board president Jim DeSanto stated the board was very proud to have Wyckoff in the district, officially starting on August 1, 2014. Wyckoff will be replacing interim superintendent Dave Ritter, who took over the job on August 7 after the resignation of former superintendent Dr. Matthew Dill.
“We’re very much looking forward to all of the possibilities,” said DeSanto. “We have a great staff, a great community, great families and great children, and I think it’s a really good opportunity.”
Wyckoff said she was also very excited about the position, as she has liked the Clear Fork Valley district for a long time.
“I just really like the atmosphere, the people here, and the school district is just a bright and shining star,” she said. “I’m really pleased to be here.”
DeSanto noted to the public the long process the board went through in choosing Wyckoff as superintendent. Prior to her selection, Wyckoff was pitted against Michael Ferguson and Christopher Brian Petrie for the superintendent position after the three candidates were gleaned from a pool of applicants with the assistance of the Ohio School Board Association. The board announced on Friday, Feb. 14 they were in negotiations with Wyckoff for the superintendent position.
“We got some good input from the community, and we appreciate the feedback from you guys,” said DeSanto.
Originally from Burbank, OH, Wyckoff previously held the position of superintendent for 10 years at the Black River Local School District in Ashland County. She also served as the high school principal at Highland High School in Morrow County. Wyckoff holds a master’s degree in education administration as well as a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Ashland University.
While working at Highland, Wyckoff frequently drove through the Clear Fork Valley school district and said she always enjoyed the area, especially since it holds a sentimental value.
“My dad would be so happy if he was still alive,” she said. “He loved this area.”
Wyckoff noted she has been impressed with the staff members and administration she has met so far and look forward to meeting many more.
“My plan right now is to get around and meet as many people as I can,” she said. “Everybody talks about what’s your vision, but the reality is what is their vision, and how can I help them. That’s really the role of a superintendent. I’m really looking forward to getting here and getting started.”
