Canfield man selected as Liberty superintendent

Staff report

LIBERTY

Stanley Watson of Canfield is the new superintendent of Liberty Local Schools. He will begin his duties after the retirement of Mark Lucas. whose term as superintendent ends June 30.

The board of education voted unanimously Monday to approve a three-year contract effective July 1.

Watson’s selection came after a two-month search that drew a large number of highly qualified applicants. The board enlisted the assistance of the Trumbull County Educational Service Center for the search and interview process that began in March.

Watson previously served as superintendent of the Austintown schools.

He worked in Austintown from 1974 to 2005, and his experience ranges from teaching to administration. In Austintown, he oversaw the building of a new $25 million middle school. From 2005 to 2007, he served as a consultant.

Watson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University. He is a member of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators and Buckeye Association of School Administrators.

Jeffrey Grinstein, board president, said, “I am excited that we have found a bold and experienced leader to help us successfully navigate through the demanding times that we face. Mr. Watson makes no apologies for being straightforward or no-nonsense, nor for the expectations he has of others.”

Watson will attend the May 17 board of education meeting.