Springfield Local Schools promoted its assistant superintendent to its top post.
The board of education today unanimously approved hiring Matthew Geha, 44, as its next superintendent pending the successful negotiation of an employment contract.
VIDEO: Springfield promotes Geha to superintendent
Mr. Geha has served as assistant superintendent, overseeing operations and personnel for the roughly 4,000-student district, since August of 2015.
He replaces Superintendent Michael O’Shea, who retires this summer.
The board vote came after a more than hour and a half executive session, and the vote was followed by a round of applause from the board and an audience of about 20 which included his family.
Mr. Geha previously directed federal programs for Springfield for three years, and before that was principal of Springfield Middle School from 2004 to 2012. At the start of his career, he worked in Sylvania Schools as a teacher, athletic director, and coach.
Mr. Geha received his bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Toledo. He received a superintendent license from Bowling Green State University in 2012.
“My desire is to continue strengthening Springfield academically and operationally, resulting in a thriving educational institution that welcomes everyone and has the ability to reach every single student, regardless of his or her background and circumstance,” Mr. Geha wrote in his application letter to the district’s search committee. “I wish to preserve the great history and culture that has brought Springfield to its current stature, but I also wish to lead Springfield into a new and exciting era of education and student service.”
A search committee last week interviewed four of the nine applicants for the job. Those who made it to the interview stage included Mr. Geha, Swanton Local School District Superintendent Jeff Schlade, Field Local Schools Superintendent David Heflinger, and Tiffin City Schools Superintendent Vicki Wheatley.
Board president Richard Helminski and district Treasurer P. Ryan Lockwood III will negotiate a superintendent contract with Mr. Geha.
Mr. Geha makes $117,183 as assistant superintendent. Mr. O’Shea’s superintendent salary is $151,000 a year.
Contact Vanessa McCray at: vmccray@theblade.com or 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @vanmccray.
First Published May 10, 2017, 9:56 p.m.