Dear Shaker Schools Supporter,
Choosing the principal of a high school is one of the most important decisions that I - or any
superintendent - will make. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I have devoted a
considerable amount of time and deliberation to this decision, and I am pleased to announce
the person who I believe is eminently qualified to be the next principal of our High School.
First, I would like to thank our interim principal, Mr. James Reed III, who provided us strong and
steady leadership at a crucial time of transition and change. We are extremely grateful for his
efforts and consistent passion for education.
Jonathan G. Kuehnle, currently Campus Director at Springfield High School in the Springfield
City School District in west-central Ohio, emerged as the strongest of more than 100 applicants
from 24 states, the District of Columbia and India. He will begin this summer.
My choice of Mr. Kuehnle culminated a selection process that was broad, rigorous and
collaborative. This process included:
- A unanimous recommendation from an interview panel made up of teachers, parents and administrators
- A site visit and interviews with current colleagues and stakeholders
- A thorough check of references, evaluations and background information
- Extensive input from Shaker faculty, staff, students and parents through focus groups
- A public question-and-answer forum that was videotaped and posted on the district web site
- Community feedback through an online survey
Mr. Kuehnle has a long and varied career. He has been a principal, a teacher, a coach and a
building and district representative for his teachers association. As a leader, he has the
reputation as a consensus-builder. As an educator, he has demonstrated an ability to raise the
achievement of all students, including those facing the greatest challenges.
I want to thank all the staff members, students, community members and parents who took the
time to share their thoughts and insights about the candidates. Your participation helped lead
us to the selection of a great educator who, I am certain, will lead the High School to the next
level.
To ensure Mr. Kuehnle's successful transition as principal of Shaker High School, we will appoint
a transition team, led by Dr. Terri Breeden, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and
Instruction. The transition team will include representatives from teachers and staff,
administrators, students and the community. We expect to have the transition team in place
shortly after Spring Break.
I'm confident you'll share my conviction that Mr. Kuehnle was the clear choice to lead the High
School now and into the future. Please join me in warmly welcoming him and his family to our
wonderful community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
