COLUMBIANA Schools start search for new superintendent

Dr. Rottenborn is in the final year of a three-year contract.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Columbiana Schools Board of Education is beginning a search immediately in the hopes of hiring a new superintendent by Dec. 12. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rottenborn announced Monday that he will retire at the end of December.
Rottenborn, who is in the final year of a three-year contract, will have completed a 30-year education career and seven years as Columbiana superintendent.
"Well, I'm a workaholic, so I'll be looking for something else to do," Rottenborn said. "I will be exploring lots of possibilities."
He said the board's interviewing process would be similar to the one conducted earlier this year for a high school principal. Panels of faculty, staff, students and community members were involved. The board will then interview finalists and choose Rottenborn's successor, he said.
Changes: High school students moved into a new building during Rottenborn's tenure, and last year's high school seniors were among the top 10 schools in the state in proficiency test scores.
"All the things we achieved are thanks to a team effort of our great staff members," Rottenborn said.
Before becoming Columbiana superintendent, Rottenborn was assistant superintendent of the Chagrin Falls and Canfield school districts, assistant principal of Salem High School, and taught social studies in the Boardman Schools for 13 years.
He holds a doctorate in education and a master's in educational administration from Youngstown State University, a master's in teaching from Brown University, and a bachelor's degree from Boston University.
Rottenborn lives in Salem with his wife, Cindy, who is a candidate for Salem Schools Board of Education. The couple have two adult children.