Trumbull schools chief accepts job with state

The opportunity was too good to pass up, the superintendent said.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Trumbull County Educational Service Center's superintendent is leaving to become the governor's executive assistant for education.
Elizabeth Ross, who has been with the center 27 years, the past seven as superintendent, is done here May 31.
She will work on primary and secondary education issues, assist with school funding and school quality issues, work on teacher recruitment and implement the recommendations of the governor's Students Success Commission, which, if approved, would change the state's proficiency test policy.
"She has an extraordinary record here of working with all the school districts in Trumbull County on collaborative ventures and a great record on work force development," Gov. Bob Taft said.
"I'm just delighted she's joining our team. She's very experienced. She's very respected. She has a record of collaboration."
About the decision: Ross said it is with a heavy heart that she leaves.
"I have one of the best jobs in the world. It was only after I talked to Gov. Taft at length and I realized his commitment to quality education that I made this decision. This is a wonderful opportunity to work to improve education, which is my lifelong commitment," Ross said.
Ross will be reunited with her husband of four years, who lives and works in Columbus, and her two stepdaughters. Her daughter is a student at Miami University.
"We'll all be closer together," she said.
The educational service center will begin a search for Ross' replacement.