SUPERINTENDENT Jeswald gets nod to lead schools

The new superintendent was selected because of his experience in Girard schools.
GIRARD -- Joseph Jeswald, assistant to the Girard schools superintendent, will be named superintendent during today's school board meeting.
Thomas Grumley, board president, said Tuesday that Jeswald will serve as superintendent designee through July and take on the position Aug. 1.
No search was done for a new superintendent as Jeswald has been viewed as Superintendent Marty Santillo's replacement. Santillo served two years in the district before accepting a job as superintendent of the Bristol schools.
This is the third superintendent in the financially troubled district in two years. In 2002, Joseph Shoaf resigned. He was sentenced to five years in prison for using drugs and alcohol with a female student in his office.
Salary
Grumley said that Jeswald, who has 30 years with the district, including high school principal, will maintain at the same salary he is currently receiving.
"He's a hard working individual," Grumley said, noting that the board's has been "overwhelming" in its selection of Jeswald.
While Santillo was superintendent, Jeswald concentrated on curriculum and is credited with luring government grants to the district.
Santillo managed to cut staff and persuade the unions to take wage freezes.
But Jeswald has his work cut out for him.
Voters will be asked during a special Aug. 3 ballot to approve a 6.5-mill operating levy. Voters have twice rejected the issue.