Westerville City Schools superintendent resigns less than 5 months into position

Westerville City Schools announced the resignation of its superintendent, Joseph Clark, on Monday, just four months, 25 days into his tenure.

Clark's resignation will be effective at the end of the business July 31.

Westerville City Schools appointed Clark to the position in August, and he started on Oct. 1, after the resignation of John Kellogg, who led the school district for a decade. In his letter to the Westerville City Schools Board, Clark did not specify a reason for his resignation, only citing "personal reasons" and pledging his assistance to the board in finding his successor.

"Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Superintendent. Westerville City Schools will always hold a special place in my heart," Clark said in the letter.

Westerville City Schools spokesperson Greg Viebranz could not confirm Monday whether the Westerville school board would launch an immediate search for Clark's successor or whether or if the district would hire a search firm. Previously, the board hired the Illinois-based firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to help in the selection process.

The Westerville City Schools Board recruited Clark from Nordonia schools, in the Cleveland area. He previously served as assistant superintendent of Nordonia Hills City Schools; assistant superintendent for Kent City Schools; assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for Barberton City Schools; and as a high school English teacher for Springfield Local Schools. He served as superintendent of Nordonia schools from 2011 until Westerville hired him.

Clark has a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate in K-12 leadership, with a focus in school law from Kent State University.

@ShahidMeighan

smeighan@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Westerville City School superintendent announces resignation