BELLVILLE — Clear Fork Valley Local Schools has officially announced an opening for interim superintendent on Wednesday.
The district is seeking applicants who can start on Aug. 1 “or sooner” according to a press release from the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC). The application deadline is March 15.
Supt. Janice Wyckoff’s contract with the district expires on July 31.
Clear Fork’s school board voted 5-0 to approve a final one-year contract with Wyckoff a year ago, despite community opposition.
Then-board president Lori McKee said the one-year contract between Wyckoff and the board allowed the district to transition to a new superintendent while avoiding potentially lengthy and expensive litigation.
Since that time, three new people have joined the five-member school board. School board president Brian Johnson was appointed in September. Troy Tingley and Terry McDermott were elected in November.
Tingley said the change in leadership is the reason the search for a superintendent is starting this late in the school year.
“The remaining board decided to wait until the new members got sworn in,” Tingley said. “The board decided that going with an interim superintendent on a one-year contract was the best direction for the district at this current time.”
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is aided Clear Fork in its search, a common practice for school districts hiring a new top administrator.
MOESC’s Supt. Kevin Kimmel said it’s common for school districts to begin a superintendent search around this time of year.
“We’re actually way ahead of the game. This is a prime timeline to find a superintendent,” he said.
Kimmel said districts that have gone through a period of turmoil often hire an interim superintendent before selecting a long-term leader. He said a position like the one Clear Fork offers will likely be attractive to recently retired, experienced leaders who may not want to commit for more than a year or two.
“The board felt at this point that they needed to bring somebody in on an interim basis before launching a search for a permanent superintendent,” Kimmel said.
“There’s a benefit to having someone who has that wealth of experience to really come in and calm the district, set things in place.”
Tingley said the board will begin its search for a permanent superintendent at the beginning of 2025. He also said Wyckoff would not be considered for the interim position were she to apply.
Contract provision means Wyckoff’s employment won’t automatically renew
At a school board meeting Tuesday, community members raised concerns that Wyckoff’s contract could automatically renew on March 1. Under Ohio law, a school superintendent is automatically reemployed if a school district does not take action on an expiring contract by that date.
Board members said this was addressed in Wyckoff’s contract, which states her employment will automatically expire on July 31 without further action by either party.
“This provision is intended to suppress the nonrenewal provisions of Ohio Revised Code Section 3319.01,” the agreement reads. “By accepting this contract, the Superintendent understands and agrees that she has no further expectation or rights to reemployment with the board.”
About the job
Clear Fork Valley Local Schools currently serves just over 1,600 students and spans 110 square miles.
Qualified applicants for the position should have a Master’s degree and a valid Ohio School Superintendent license or evidence that one is obtainable. Specific qualifications and requirements for the position can be found at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s (MOESC) website through the following link: Clear Fork Valley Interim Superintendent.
Those interested in the position are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter emphasizing qualifications and experience, a copy of current Ohio Superintendent license or evidence that a license will be obtained, resume, and letters of reference as well as complete an online application at www.moesc.net.
Questions about the position should be directed to Kimmel via email at kimmel.kevin@moesc.net or by calling 419.774.5520. Applicants can also mail inquiries to the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, 890 West Fourth Street, Suite 100, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.
The MOESC provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Since Clear Fork is a client district, the MOESC is the assisting with the search at no cost.
“A school district needs a strong leader for vision and guidance in educating our young people,” Kimmel said.
“We understand the importance of this hire, and we’re glad to help Clear Fork Valley during this process.”
