At the July 13 Special Meeting, the Kenston Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Steven A. Sayers as interim superintendent for the 2022/23 school year at a salary of $156,000, effective August 1. He will replace Mrs. Nancy Santilli, who is stepping down at the end of July to accept a position as Assistant Superintendent at the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve.
“Steve Sayers brings to Kenston experience and leadership as a classroom teacher, building and district leader that will serve us well during this period of transition,” said Neysa Gaskins, president of the Kenston Board of Education. “He exudes positive energy, enthusiasm, and optimism about our students, staff, and schools that will continue to move the district forward. We believe he has the skills needed to adapt and adjust as needed in the role of interim superintendent.”
Mr. Sayers stated, “Kenston Local Schools has a reputation of excellence, and I am honored to serve the district. I am excited about the upcoming school year and cannot wait to get started building on the successes of the Kenston students, staff, and community.”
Mr. Sayers is a veteran educator and administrator. He began his career in education in 1987 as a math teacher, athletic director, and varsity basketball coach at Keystone High School in LaGrange. He left the classroom in 1994 to become an assistant principal at Midview High School and, in 1996, became high school principal at Wellington High School. He returned to Midview in 1997 to serve as their high school principal until 2001.
Mr. Sayers transitioned from building administration to district administration in 2001 when he was named Director of Personnel for the Lakewood City Schools. In 2003, he was named superintendent of the Southeast Local Schools in Apple Creek. Mr. Sayers became superintendent of the Amherst Exempted Village Schools in 2008 where he retired and was rehired in 2015. He continues to serve in that capacity through the end of the month.
During his tenure as Superintendent, Amherst Schools earned the National Blue Ribbon School Award and Ohio Department of Education Momentum Award. His areas of expertise include a record of fiscal responsibility coupled with high-quality performance; and the ability to consolidate and restructure services for greater efficiency. He has a successful track record for building support for tax issues. Mr. Sayers also developed partnerships for various educational and athletic facility improvements, including the construction of a new elementary school.
Mr. Sayers received his Masters in School Administration from Ashland University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University and an Associate of Arts Degree from Lorain County Community College.
The initial search to hire a full-time ongoing superintendent was suspended earlier this month, prompting the Board to search for an interim. The Board will re-open the superintendent search for a permanent superintendent in 2023.