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Changing of guard takes place at high school
(by Sue Hoffman - May 26, 2010)
Changing of guard takes place at high school
By SUE HOFFMAN
The 2009-2010 school year will conclude with a transition in leadership at Solon High School.
Principal George Steyer will retire after 38 years in education, including 13 at the high school. Associate Principal Erin Short, who has served as an administrator at the high school for 10 years, will become the principal.
The school board approved Ms. Short's promotion to principal Monday. The board had approved the retire-rehire option for Mr. Steyer in June 2007 and approved his resignation Monday.
"It makes me feel proud and privileged to be the next principal at Solon High School," Ms. Short said.
Ms. Short was hired as an assistant principal at the high school in the summer of 2000 and was named associate principal four years ago. School officials said Ms. Short had considered taking an administrative position in another district and they wanted her to know about her future in Solon. Her higher status put her next in line to be the next principal.
"We talked to her about the direction of the district, George's tenure and how important it was to stay in Solon," School Superintendent Joseph V. Regano said. "It was really important that she stay here and provide the same kind of leadership that George has done."
School board members said they were pleased with the continuity of leadership at the high school.
Ms. Short's contract runs from Aug. 1, 2010, through July 31, 2012, at a salary of $116,195.
"You have my word that I will work hard every day to continue to make us the premier high school not just in the state, but in the nation," Ms. Short told Mr. Regano and the school board.
Mr. Regano also praised Mr. Steyer for his tenure at the helm. "He's been a great principal for us," he said.
Ms. Short, who taught English at North Royalton High School prior to coming to Solon, said, "I chose Solon because I felt I'd be challenged every day. It was the best decision I ever made.
"The biggest challenge is to maintain our level of excellence, move forward and raise the bar," she said. Such progress takes hard work from everyone, she said, from the school board and administrators to the staff, students and every employee in the schools.
In acknowledging the many accolades received by the school, staff and students, Ms. Short said, "My goal is to continue to expand that. We're blessed with great kids." All 1,800 students and their parents share the same goal of achievement, she said.
Originally from Archbold in Northwestern Ohio, Ms. Short previously served with Mr. Steyer and Assistant Principal Terry Brownlow at Rocky River High School.
Mr. Steyer said he has seen many changes and accomplishments at Solon High School since becoming principal. "The school has made a lot of progress and continues to move forward. I'm sure it will continue to do so with Erin as principal," he said.
Regarding the school's accomplishments, Mr. Steyer said he gives much credit to his excellent staff. "Not only do we have good people, we also have the resources. For that, I thank the community." He said the community has high expectations, "and our students rise up to meet the challenge."
Originally an English teacher, Mr. Steyer was principal of Rocky River and Tallmadge high schools.
Solon High School has grown and is more diverse than when they first started in the district, Ms. Short and Mr. Steyer said.
"We create the climate and the kids assimilate into our culture," Mr. Steyer said.
"Diversity is one of the things that makes this a very special place," Ms. Short said. "The students embrace diversity. Our goal is to treat them all the same and get them to do their personal best."
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