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New superintendent hits West G floor running
(by Sue Hoffman - August 11, 2010)
New superintendent hits West G floor running
By SUE HOFFMAN
Thomas Diringer has 35 years of experience in education under his belt, but heading a new district can be "pretty hectic," he said after his first week as the new superintendent of the West Geauga School District.
"The learning curve is steep," Dr. Diringer said. "Every situation has its own processes and people to meet and understand."
Dr. Diringer, who started his job Aug. 3, replaced Anthony Podojil, who has taken the job as executive director of the Alliance for High Quality Education following 15 years of service with West Geauga schools.
The school board unanimously selected Dr. Diringer in May after a five-month search that included more than 20 candidates. The new superintendent recently completed his fourth year as superintendent at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District. He previously served a three-year term as superintendent of Firelands Local Schools in Oberlin. His past experience also includes 10 years as a teacher and coach, 17 years as a high school principal and one year in curriculum and instruction.
His 30-mile drive to and from Brecksville each day doesn't phase him, he said. Much of the drive is through beautiful areas, he said. "In my career, I've done a lot of driving."
In addition to meeting many administrators and staff members, his first day on the job included last week's special meeting of the school board, which passed a resolution to put a 1.12-mill bond issue on the Nov. 2 ballot.
"The timeliness is significant," Dr. Diringer said. "The board did a good job of limiting the cost of the bond issue. They really tried to make it as tight as they could."
He also discussed the new bus garage being constructed at the Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Center in Chester.
"The board is working on details of the lease agreement" for the bus facility, which will "be a very beneficial arrangement for the district and Metzenbaum," Dr. Diringer said.
"Often bus garages are the last facilities to receive help," and it's fortunate that the district has taken action, he said.
A school board meeting on Aug. 9 had several other items on the agenda, including bids for the new high school gym floor, which had been damaged by flooding, as well as carpeting throughout the district.
Getting ready for the start of school, Aug. 25, is now top priority, Dr. Diringer said. Regarding administrative positions, he said, "We're in good shape." A few teachers need to be hired to fill vacancies, but actually the total number of full-time teachers is down through attrition, he said.
Dr. Diringer also was involved in preparations for the school board meeting and retreat on Aug. 10.
Reflecting on his initial experience with the district, he said, "West G has a strong history of success and being a quality district. I think it's a good fit for my experience.
"People have been kind and helpful," he said. "We have a lot of work to do as we move forward. It's definitely heating up, with just a couple weeks to go before school starts."
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