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Solon's Goudy serves two school districts
(by Sue Hoffman - January 07, 2009)
Solon's Goudy serves two school districts
By SUE HOFFMAN
His first day as superintendent of the Madison School District in Lake County Monday went "very well," according to Solon School Board member Roger Goudy. "It was a very good day, and a good group of people." He said he visited all of the district's buildings and attended the Madison School Board's organizational meeting.
"Some of the things that came up at today's school board meeting I could relate to," Dr. Goudy said that evening. Referring to his service as a Solon School Board member and former Solon city councilman, he said, "I think I know the dynamics a bit better. I can appreciate how boards come to a consensus."
Dr. Goudy was named the top candidate for the Madison post in late November. Last month, the Madison School Board approved his 2.5-year contract with an annual salary of $103,000. The half year will bring the contract period to the traditional summer starting time.
Prior to taking the post, Dr. Goudy had served as director of business affairs for the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District since 1998.
He said Madison, with 3,700 students, is a good school district and a good fit. "I really like the people in Madison. They're wonderful people," he said.
Madison's previous superintendent, James Herrholtz, left last July to take the top spot at the Richmond Heights School District.
Dr. Goudy called his new post "a nice culmination. I've sat in every chair in the district and worked with superintendents since 1981."
Now that he has the top job in Madison, the question has been raised about Dr. Goudy's possible interest in succeeding Solon School Superintendent Joseph Regano.
"I would never want to be the guy that follows Joe Regano," Dr. Goudy said. "People love Joe. It would be like following God. Not that I don't like the Solon schools, but why would I put myself in that situation?"
In addition, if he did want to take the superintendent's post in Solon, he would have to step down from the school board and wait a year, according to board policy, he said. "There's no logic behind it."
Regarding Mr. Regano, Dr. Goudy said, "I hope he stays another hundred years. I love working with the board members and working with Joe Regano and the administration. It's a no-brainer to continue to do that."
Dr. Goudy, who has a doctorate in educational administration, said he sought the Solon School Board position, because he wanted to be involved in the community. "I'm a firm believer in giving back," he said.
At this time, he has no plans to move to the Madison School District, which is about a 45-minute drive from Solon, he said. "Granted, in a snowstorm, it will take a little longer," he said.
"We love the schools and community," Dr. Goudy said of Solon. "The whole family is actively involved." He said he was able to continue his active involvement during his former job in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District. "It was a demanding job, where I had a lot of night meetings and weekend meetings. You just do it."
Dr. Goudy said it's not unusual for a school superintendent to sit on a school board in another district.
Mr. Regano agreed. "To me, it helps the district," he said, since Dr. Goudy would receive important information promptly. "I don't see any negatives, and it's potentially positive."
Dr. Goudy was appointed by the Solon School Board in July 2007, after veteran board member Linda Wise moved from Solon to be closer to her job. In the November 2007 election, he narrowly defeated former Mayor Robert Paulson for his four-year seat. He had served on Solon City Council from 1999 to 2007, when he resigned for his school board appointment. He ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for state representative of the 17th district in 2006.
With 34 years in education, Dr. Goudy has served as a teacher, coach and administrator of three suburban school districts. His past administrative experience includes serving as director of business services for Strongsville City Schools and director of community relations for the Warrensville Heights School District.
Dr. Goudy's wife, Christine, is a special education teacher in the Orange School District. The couple has four children, including two sons at Solon High School and a daughter attending Solon Middle School. Their oldest son is a sophomore at Kent State University.
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