Osnaburg Superintendent Kevin Finefrock recognized as Martha Holden Jennings finalist
EAST CANTON ‒ Osnaburg Local Schools Superintendent Kevin Finefrock is being recognized among Ohio's top superintendents by a statewide education organization.
Finefrock, who became superintendent in the district of nearly 900 students in 2018, was one of five Ohio superintendent finalists for the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s Outstanding Superintendent Performance award. The 2023 award went to Donald Jolly, superintendent of Warrensville Heights City School District.
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The Jennings Foundation, which used a committee of Ohio public school educators to determine the finalists, supports Ohio’s nonreligious, public schools through grants and initiatives meant to strengthen the teaching profession.
In their nomination letter, Osnaburg Local school board members highlighted Finefrock’s leadership in helping the district obtain $1.5 million in competitive grades for student learning opportunities and the $2.28 million in donations that were collected to build the Foltz Fieldhouse.
They also noted how he’s led initiatives to motivate staff to obtain advanced degrees and has created numerous community partnerships to advance the district’s mission and vision.
They also expressed excitement for Finefrock’s two latest initiatives: An electrical trades career technical education program that would be open to students throughout Stark County and a learning technique that is known as the Grid Method, which would allow students to complete assignments at their own pace as they show mastery of the subject.
“He is a dynamic leader who embodies the tenets of this award through his transformational leadership, dedication to the district, alignment to deep learning and rigorous academic standards, commitment to establishing a positive climate and culture for all stakeholders, and the exemplification of strong ethical and moral character,” the board wrote in the letter.
Finefrock said the recognition belongs to every person in the district.
“I am proud to play a small role in advancing the mission and vision of our school district,” Finefrock said. “As a team, we work to educate, empower and cultivate the unique talent in our students. Together with faculty, caregivers, community leaders and staff, we strive to help students find passion and purpose in their lives.”
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Osnaburg Superintendent Kevin Finefrock finalist for Ohio top leader
