SHELBY — Joe Morabito is heading south for a new job.
But only about 10 miles.
Morabito, who currently serves as the principal of Plymouth High School in northern Richland County, is set to succeed Shelby High School Principal John Gies next school year.
A press release from Shelby Supt. Michael Browning on Tuesday morning shared the news. Morabito was approved Monday evening by the Shelby Board of Education during its February meeting.
He has spent the past eight years as principal at Plymouth, according to the release.
“(Morabito) brings 16 years of administrative experience to Shelby, along with a background as a teacher and athletic director,” the release said.
Gies will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year after 20 years of dedicated leadership at Shelby High School.
“When Mr. Gies began talking about retiring last summer, I knew this position would need to be filled by someone with a tremendous amount of experience to continue to lead a veteran staff that continues to raise the bar in academics and offerings,” Browning said.
“What Mr. Morabito brings is experience as a teacher, an athletic director, and many
years as a school administrator. Additionally, he showed the search committee his greatest asset, which is his care and commitment to the students and staff he is leading,” the superintendent said.
‘Difficult decision’ to leave Plymouth, Morabito says
Morabito said he is honored to join the Shelby community and looks forward to building on the strong traditions already in place.
“It was a difficult decision to leave Plymouth, as that is where I have spent most of my time in education,” Morabito said. “But to lead a high school with Shelby’s academic and extracurricular expectations is a great honor. I am proud to be a Whippet.”
Morabito served as athletic director at Plymouth High School from 2006 to 2010 before
becoming principal at Mapleton High School, according to the release.
He later served as principal of both Mapleton Middle School and High School for six years, followed by two years as principal at Galion Middle School.
Afterward, Morabito returned to Plymouth, where he previously taught, to serve as high school principal.
The school board on Monday approved a three-year contract for Morabito beginning Aug. 1, 2026.
“Shelby City Schools looks forward to welcoming him and continuing to maximize learning and opportunity for every student at Shelby High School,” the release said.