Rocky River, Ohio
The Rocky River City Schools Board of Education is finally beginning the steps in its search for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Dr. Michael G. Shoaf announced to the Board of Education in March that he plans to retire on December 31, 2025. Dr. Shoaf has been the superintendent of the Rocky River City School District since 2007.
Rocky River City Schools begin search for new superintendent.Linda Gandee
Superintendent Dr. Michael G. Shoaf announced to the Board of Education in March that he plans to retire on December 31, 2025.Linda Gandee
At the time of Shoaf’s announcement, the Board noted that it would begin its search for a new superintendent later in 2024 with the hope of announcing a new superintendent a year from now.
In a letter from Board members to district parents/guardians sent Oct. 7, the Board has retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a consulting firm based in Illinois that specializes in assisting school boards in identifying and recruiting executive level educational leaders, to assist and counsel the Board through the search process.
According to information outlined in the letter, there are four phases to the HYA search process, including engagement, recruitment, selection, and transition. The engagement phase consists of designing and planning a process of engaging the Board and stakeholders through interviews, online surveys and focus groups.
The feedback gathered will assist the Board in developing a profile and selection criterion that match the priorities of the community and that meet the needs of the students in the district.
A series of focus groups (virtual and in-person) for parents/community members, and other stakeholder groups have been tentatively scheduled and include:
Oct. 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. virtual
Oct. 10 from 7 to 8 a.m. virtual
Oct. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. virtual
Oct. 11 from 7 to 8 a.m. virtual
Oct. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. in-person at the Board of Education Offices, 1101 Morewood Pkwy.
Oct. 17 from 7 to 8 a.m. in-person at the Board of Education Offices, 1101 Morewood Pkwy.
In addition to the focus groups, Â community stakeholders are encouraged to complete a survey that will further assist in the information-gathering process. To complete the survey by Oct. 18, go to survey2.ecragroup.com/index.php/713561?lang=en.
Additional information and virtual meeting links for focus groups will be provided in the near future and posted on the district’s website. For more information, go to rrcs.org/SuperintendentSearch.aspx.
Dr. Shoaf will step down as superintendent on July 31, 2025 and will serve as Special Advisor to the Board until his retirement next December. As Special Advisor, Dr. Shoaf will be focused on ensuring a smooth transition for our new superintendent and will work closely with the Board on in-depth facilities planning, according to district officials.
