Rocky River, Ohio
Rocky River City School Superintendent Dr. Michael Shoaf was recently named the 2025 Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) Superintendent of the Year. He will officially be honored at the BASA Fall Conference next October.
Rocky River City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Shoaf (right) is presented with the 2025 Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) Superintendent of the Year. Photo courtesy of Rocky River City Schools.Rocky River City Schools
The award is presented annually to one superintendent in the state of Ohio and is judged by a committee on several criteria, including meeting the needs of students, personal and organizational communication, improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, community involvement, and understanding of regional and national issues.
As the Ohio Superintendent of the Year, Shoaf is now the state’s nominee for the American Association of School Administrator’s National Superintendent of the Year Award.
Shoaf announced in March that he plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2025. Shoaf has been the superintendent since 2007.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be named Ohio Superintendent of the Year by BASA,” said Shoaf, in a press release. “I’m truly fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated team, who consistently go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students and community. I am also grateful for the unwavering support of my family throughout my entire career.
“Looking back on my 18 years as Superintendent of Rocky River City Schools, I’m amazed by what we’ve achieved together. It fills me with pride to work alongside so many passionate administrators and educators who are committed to providing enriching experiences for our students in academics, the arts, extracurricular activities, or athletics.”
Shoaf had more than 30 years of professional experience in the education field. During his tenure at Rocky River, Shoaf has led the district in a number of different areas.
The district has ranked in the top 10 for academic performance in Ohio in each of the last 12 years, including six years in the top three. In addition, Rocky River High School was the top-ranked high school in the state of Ohio in 2022 and 2023 and tied for tops in the country in state assessment proficiency ranks according to U.S. News & World Report.
The high school, Rocky River Middle School and Kensington have been honored as best schools by U.S. News & World Report, while the high school and Kensington have each received two National Blue Ribbon Awards under Shoaf’s leadership.
In addition to the academic successes under Shoaf, more than 80 percent of students participate in at least one of the more than 90 activities and athletics available throughout the district.
Financially, Shoaf has extended the number of years between levy requests, ensuring the district can provide a high-quality education without a continued burden on the community, according to the press release. The district has also invested more than $50 million in facility improvements, showcasing a commitment to providing students and staff with state-of-the-art environments for academics, activities and athletics.
A strong advocate for school safety as a top priority for the district, Shoaf has implemented several safety measures during his tenure. There are currently three school resource officers (SROs) in the district – with plans for a fourth – secured vestibules, window films, Gaggle, Raptor Visitor Technology, anti-ramming bollards at all buildings, and a 24-hour anonymous Safe School Helpline.
Students’ social, emotional and mental health are also highly-prioritized with guidance counselors available for all K-12 students and an external organization providing additional supports.
In addition to his commitment to the school district, Shoaf is active in the community as a member of the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club, Rocky River Education Foundation, PTA Council, and Rocky River Historical Society. In addition, Shoaf has served on the executive board for the Alliance for High Quality Schools and is a 20-year member of BASA, serving as a mentor for new superintendents. He received the BASA Exemplary Educational Leadership Award in 2014.