COLUMBIANA SCHOOLS Successor is found for retiring superintendent

Patricia Hura plans to begin her duties Jan. 2.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- "It's a season of change in the Columbiana schools," said David Dale, board of education president.
The board on Wednesday accepted the retirement resignation of Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rottenborn and hired Patricia Hura to succeed him. Both approvals were unanimous.
The board's approval of Hura is contingent on release from her contract as Trumbull Career and Technical Center principal-director. She said that board meets tonight, and she plans to begin her duties here Jan. 2.
Treasurer Lori Posey said Hura's salary will be $72,500. Rottenborn's salary is about $76,000, she said.
Hura has been Trumbull Career and Technical Center's principal-director since 1999. She was principal of Champion Middle School before that and has been a principal and teacher in the Mahoning Valley since 1967. She lives in Canfield with her husband, Richard. They have two children who are teachers.
Saying farewell: It was an emotional meeting for Rottenborn, his last after serving in the district seven years. He was in tears as he read his resignation letter.
"Working together, we have accomplished much," he said. "I leave this district that means so much to me in the capable hands of Patty Hura."
Rottenborn, in the final year of a three-year contract, retires Dec. 31. He said he plans to be a motivational speaker and promote secondary education.
He said he is also considering a bid for public office as an advocate of education. He declined to say which public office he is considering.
Congratulating Hura, Rottenborn gave her the mascot Clipper pin from his lapel. She said the most difficult task of her new job will be replacing Rottenborn.
Posey said 27 people expressed interest in the position. The quality of the candidates made narrowing the list to seven candidates, then four, a difficult task for the board, she said.
Leaving board: Wednesday's meeting also was the last for board member Michael Wigal, who did not seek re-election after serving seven years.
Rottenborn also recognized Erle Blake, central office secretary the past two years and Joshua Dixon Elementary secretary for 26 years.
"People have told me my most often-repeated phrase the past two years has been 'Handle it, Erle,'" Rottenborn said.