SHELBY — Shelby City Schools is welcoming a familiar face back to its halls.
The Shelby City Schools Board of Education has approved Corey Ream as the next principal of Shelby Middle School, bringing home an educator whose career in public education began in Shelby nearly three decades ago.
Ream graduated from Shelby in 1994 and started teaching seventh and eighth-grade science at Shelby Middle School in 1999, where he also coached middle school track and advised the yearbook.
Over the past 27 years, he has served as an elementary principal, a middle school principal, a director of operations, and, most recently, the superintendent of Edison Local School District.
His leadership has included school improvement, strategic planning, and district operations. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and educational administration from Ashland University. He also has Ohio licensure as a superintendent and principal.
“With Mr. Ream’s experience, he makes our district better,” Supt. Michael Browning said. “I am very excited for him to be taking the reins at the middle school, and I know he will do a great job continuing the growth of our students and staff.
“He has a track record of raising the bar and making the buildings he is leading better,”
Browning said. “Our middle school teachers are already very talented, and I believe Mr. Ream will bring out the best in our staff and students.”
Returning to Shelby marks a full-circle moment for Ream, who began his career in the district 27 years ago.
“I am honored to return to Shelby City Schools and serve as principal of Shelby Middle School,” Ream said. “Shelby has always held a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the district where my career began.
“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, students, and families to continue building a positive school culture where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.”
With Ream’s appointment, Shelby City Schools will begin the 2026-27 school year with new, yet experienced leadership at both Shelby Middle School and Shelby High School.
“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Ream join our already strong administrative team,” Browning said. “Adding him strengthens our team in many ways, and I anticipate Shelby City Schools will continue to show growth in academics, athletics, arts, and student opportunities.”