COLUMBIANA CO. Hood to leave position at Educational Service Center

Hood said Anna Marie Vaughn is 'more than qualified' to replace him.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- After two months away from the district, Paul Hood, Columbiana County Educational Service Center superintendent, will have a new job -- two of them, in fact.
Hood, 53, is stepping down as superintendent in February. He'll spend two months away from the district, then return as an administrative specialist to oversee the district's special-education and technology programs.
"It's the right time for a change, and this is a good move for the district," Hood said.
Assistant Superintendent Anna Marie Vaughn will replace him.
Hood said Vaughn is "more than qualified" to serve as superintendent.
Vaughn has worked in the district 17 years and has been assistant superintendent for the past six years, he said.
"It's high time Anna Marie Vaughn becomes the superintendent," Hood said.
During Hood's tenure as superintendent, the CCESC has won four state Best Practices awards. The district also is known for its interactive distance learning program.
Proud of district
"I think one of the things I'm most proud of in this district is that we have always taken the lead in advancing technology programs," Hood said.
"We introduced computers into classrooms 18 years ago," he said.
Hood also said he has enjoyed working at the CCESC because of the staff and the work environment they create.
"People can be creative and they are not afraid to try," he said. "We've never had any problems with our contract negotiations, and I think that is because people believe they are treated fairly."
Hood said during his break he will do some consulting work elsewhere in Ohio or perhaps out of state.
He has served in the district in one capacity or another for 29 years, the past 18 as superintendent.
Originally from Wellsville, Hood lives in Salem with his wife, Jennifer. The couple's daughter, Christina, is a junior at Kent State University, where she is majoring in speech pathology.
tullis@vindy.com