By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
The Groveport Madison Board of Education is reviewing its options in its search for a new district superintendent.
At its July 13 meeting, the board heard presentations from two organizations that could possibly assist in the superintendent search – Finding Leaders and the Ohio School Board Association. However, the board delayed making a decision on selecting either organization.
“We are still working on what we want to do, as a board,” said Board President Chris Snyder. “The tight time frame is adding some extra pressure to the decision, but we want to make sure that we are taking in all of the thoughts and concerns of our board before we decide what to do. The choosing of a search firm seemed a bit premature (at the July 13 meeting), so we wanted to wait a bit to really think about the decision, and therefore we tabled the vote (on selecting a search firm).”
The new superintendent will replace former superintendent Garilee Ogden, who left the district to become superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools on July 1. Ogden served as Groveport Madison superintendent since 2018.
Snyder previously said the board hoped to have a new superintendent starting on Aug. 1.
When asked what qualities and experience the board is looking for in the new superintendent, Snyder said, “We would like to select someone with district knowledge and experience. We would like to have a superintendent who can cultivate strong relationships with our community leaders, and is able to work well with staff, parents, and community members. We would also like someone who is able to continue our academic growth and who also has the ability to deal with the operations of the district.”
Groveport Madison Deputy Superintendent Jamie Grube agreed to serve as the district’s interim superintendent until July 30.
New computers for schools
The board approved the purchase of 500 Dell Chromebook computers for the high school and middle schools and 300 Dell Chromebook for the elementaries for the 2022-23 school year from XTek Partners at a cost of $265,000. According to district officials, the computers will be paid for from equipment funds in the budget.
School playground project
The board approved $126,396 in funding for a playground equipment and repairs project for the district’s elementary schools.
