OTTAWA HILLS, Ohio — Dr. Adam Fineske, who is the current superintendent of Sylvania Schools, has been selected as the new superintendent for the Ottawa Hills School District.
Dr. Fineske was interviewed by the five-member Board of Education, along with 25 district stakeholders Wednesday evening.
The other finalist, Richard Baird who is the current North Union Local Schools superintendent in Richwood, Ohio, had his stakeholder interview Tuesday.
The Board of Education made their decision immediately following Dr. Fineske's interview in executive session.
After Dr. Fineske was given the job, he released this statement:
Sylvania Parents and Families-
I am reaching out to all of you this morning with a heavy heart. As you may have heard, the Superintendent position in The Ottawa Hills Local School District has opened and, after much thought, deliberation, and prayer, I expressed my interest in it a few weeks ago. After a final interview last night, I was officially offered the position and accepted it. I begin this new role on August 1, 2019. The Ottawa Hills superintendent position is one of those rare openings I couldn’t overlook. It aligns closely to my personal skill set, professional background experience and after learning much more throughout the extensive interviewing process, looks to provide me with work I am passionate about.
As many of you know I have been in Sylvania Schools my whole career. In my 19 years here I have been provided with a number of amazing opportunities. From classroom teaching, leading students and staff as a building administrator, overseeing the experience of building the new Hill View Elementary School, directing curriculum and instruction and having the extreme honor of serving as your superintendent these past two years. There are very few jobs I would ever consider leaving Sylvania Schools for. I love this district and am committed to its success as its current leader, as a parent and as a community member.
In the end, this move is right for not only me, but for my family (my wife Kate, 10th grade daughter Liz, 7th grade son Andrew and 3rd grade son Nicholas). We are looking forward to our children continuing their educational careers in Sylvania Schools, and at the same time allowing this opportunity to provide me to be a more independent leader in a district very close to our home.
With much thankfulness and true respect always,
Dr. Adam Fineske
Superintendent
Sylvania Schools
The current superintendent of Ottawa Hills, Kevin Miller, is resigning to join the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA). BASA is a statewide group representing Ohio superintendents and other top administrators.
Miller announced his resignation back in February of this year.
His last day with the district will be July 31.
Ottawa Hills was recently ranked #5 in a list of top best high schools in Ohio.