Kenston Local Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bruce Willingham as Superintendent of the Kenston Schools.
At the April 26, 2024 Special Meeting, the Kenston Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Bruce R. Willingham Jr., Ed. D., as the Superintendent of the Kenston Local School District for a term of three (3) years commencing on August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2027, with a salary of $162,000.00 per year. He will replace Mr. Steve Sayers, who is stepping down at the end of July.
Tom Manning, president of the Kenston Board of Education shared, “The quality of applicants was extremely high. As a board, we were very impressed with Dr. Willingham’s ability to be a visionary leader and his commitment to achievement. He possesses an abundance of experience in the areas that will take Kenston to the next level of excellence. His personality and character will fit in nicely with our culture and traditions here at Kenston.”
Dr. Willingham stated, “The academic excellence and student first focus is what drew me to the district as I’m coming from a district with those same values. I’m most excited about getting to know the staff and students. From everything I have seen, the staff has built amazing relationships with students that have helped them excel both inside the classroom and out, and being a part of something so special is really a dream come true.”
Dr. Willingham is an experienced educator and administrator. He started his career in education as an English Language Arts teacher. He left the classroom in 2002 to become an Assistant Principal at Maple Heights City Schools and became Principal within the district in 2003 as well. In 2005, Dr. Willingham was promoted to Assistant Superintendent/Director of Personnel at Maple Heights City Schools, remaining there until 2016. Before coming to Kenston, Dr. Willingham was named the Superintendent at Midview Local Schools in 2016 and will serve there through the end of July.
During his tenure as Superintendent of Midview Local Schools, he has had many accomplishments and successes. He has developed and implemented plans that placed Midview Local Schools on a strong financial path thus equipping them to be financially sound. His commitment to improving opportunities led to the success of students academically, and also to the expansion of Advanced Placement, College Career Plus, and Career Technical Education programs at the secondary level.
Dr. Willingham received his Doctor of Educational Leadership from Ashland University. He also holds his Master’s of Education and Principal Licensure from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, from Cleveland State University.