Northridge Local Schools names new superintendent

Kristine Michael was elevated from assistant superintendent to superintendent of the Northridge Local School District on Tuesday.
Kristine Michael was elevated from assistant superintendent to superintendent of the Northridge Local School District on Tuesday.

ALEXANDRIA ― The Northridge Local School District Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved Kristine Michael, assistant superintendent since 2020, as new superintendent.

She will start her new role on Aug. 1, replacing six-year superintendent Scott Schmidt, who resigned to pursue an opportunity at another district.

"We'd like to thank superintendent Schmidt for six years of dedicated and effective leadership. His ability to engage the community and forge relationships has helped Northridge position for the future with the construction of our new elementary school building, the passage of the recent levy and the construction of our new athletic facilities," Jayma Bammerlin, board vice president, said in a press release.

During the transition, Schmidt will work with Michael to ensure the district continues its positive progress. She will begin serving as acting interim superintendent immediately.

"We are excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Michael as our next superintendent. Her continued leadership, experience, and ongoing vision for the future of our district put us in a great position to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the future," board president Geoff Wiggins said. "We are thrilled Kristine will continue the great work she and our educators are doing with student achievement, student safety and communication."

Kristine Michael (front right), assistant superintendent of Northridge Local Schools, was named superintendent on Tuesday on a 5-0 vote by the Northridge Board of Education. Board member Kate Creager and vice president Jayma Bammerlin are in front. Back (from left) are board members Jeffrey Schrock and Doug Hart, president Geoff Wiggins and treasurer Britt Lewis.

Michael has more than 28 years of service in education. She started her career as a fourth-grade teacher and has experience as an elementary teacher and administrator in international schools and Ohio public schools.

Her central office experience includes serving as curriculum coordinator, student services director and assistant superintendent at Northridge.

"I'm honored by the opportunity to continue to serve the Northridge school community. I look forward to working closely with the board, Mr. (Britt) Lewis (district treasurer), and Mr. Schmidt during this transition. I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue the good work that is underway," Michael said.

She and her husband, Guy, live in Granville and have a daughter and son, Maggie and Simon.

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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Kristine Michael named new superintendent for Northridge Local Schools