43
New superintendent hopes to continue Lowellville's tradition of excellence
Photo
Thomas
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
LOWELLVILLE
Before Eugene “Geno” M. Thomas applied for the position of Lowellville Local Schools superintendent, he drove to the village, just to see what he was getting into.
What he found — namely, residents who had nothing critical to say about the school district, and instead touted its tradition of excellence — convinced him, and he knew he couldn’t let the opportunity pass him by.
“It’s the same type of community I grew up in, [with] the same values,” said the 46-year-old Thomas, who is from New Castle, Pa., and graduated from Shenango High School. “It’s a hidden gem in Mahoning County.”
Aug. 1 was Thomas’ first day on the job. He was selected unanimously by the Lowellville Board of Education at its July 31 meeting and was provided a three-year contract offer with a starting salary of $100,000.
The search for a new administrator began not long after Rocco Nero announced his resignation in mid-July; Nero, who had been Lowellville’s superintendent for 10 years, is now part-time superintendent at Southington Local Schools.
In anticipation of the 2014-15 school year, Thomas is busy “immersing [himself] into the culture” of the district and of the village itself. He’s meeting people, talking with students and, in general, “learning the Lowellville way.”
Thomas added that though he lives in Chippewa, Pa., about a half-hour away, Lowellville has been his primary home for the past couple of weeks — something that will continue.
“I’ve been here every waking hour,” he said. “I want to continue learning every day what makes this place special.”
Thomas noted that the hiring process was the best experience he’s gone through, professionally speaking. He immediately liked how genuine everyone is, including board and community members, and also how passionate they are about the district’s 600-some students.
Before coming to Lowellville, Thomas was with the Ohio Department of Education State Support Team for Region 5, which covers Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties and is based at the Mahoning County Educational Service Center. He has worked in public education since 1992, with positions including superintendent of Mansfield City Schools and the Shenango Area School District.
Thomas earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Youngstown State University, along with his master’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University.
He’s an avid researcher and writer and also enjoys cooking, pottery and golf. He and his wife, Lisa, have a 12-year-old daughter, Gianna.
One goal that Thomas has for the coming school year is simply to “pick up where the district’s at,” he said, noting that any changes likely won’t be “drastic, because the district has performed so well in the past.” Still, he’s hopeful that he will have made a difference by the end of his tenure.
More specifically, Thomas wants to help Lowellville become a top school district in Mahoning County, the region and the state. But any changes, he said, will be decided upon collaboratively.
“I believe in team administration and team leadership,” Thomas explained. “Everyone is an essential piece of the puzzle ... because every piece is essential to the child’s overall growth, development and success.”
Terri Flora, central office secretary, said Thomas has been “very patient,” despite the district’s “throwing things at him” to get ready for the new school year.
“I think he’s a great asset, and I think we can all work well together,” Flora said. “It’s worked so far.”
The 2014-15 school year will begin next Monday. On Wednesday at the Lowellville school complex, 52 Rocket Place, kindergarten orientation will take place at 6 p.m., followed by seventh-grade orientation at 6:30 p.m. and by the annual open house from 7 to 8 p.m. New-student orientation will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday.