JACKSON TWP. ‒ Jackson Local Schools is preparing for a leadership shift as Superintendent Chris DiLoreto eyes retirement in 2027.
The Board of Education approved DiLoreto’s retirement date of July 31, 2027, at its April 30 meeting. DiLoreto, 60, has been Jackson Local’s top administrator since 2011.
The district said it developed a multi-year leadership succession plan to ensure continuity, protect stability and to sustain momentum for students and families.
Officials pointed to the system’s long history of stability. The district has had four superintendents in the last 60 years.
The average superintendent tenure in Ohio is about 3.6 years, according to the Buckeye Association of School Administrators.
“Jackson Local’s success has never been about one person; it’s the result of steady Board leadership, dedicated staff, and a community of connected families who expect excellence and support our schools,” DiLoreto said in a prepared statement.
“Serving as superintendent has been the greatest privilege of my career. I’m proud of what this organization has accomplished together, and I’m confident this multi-year plan will protect the stability and momentum our students, staff, and community deserve.”
As part of the succession plan, high school Principal Matt Ziders has been appointed associate superintendent by the school board.
The role is designed for districtwide coordination and consistent implementation, officials said.
The associate superintendent will begin Aug. 1 and work alongside DiLoreto, and then Ziders will become the district’s superintendent on Aug. 1, 2027.
The transition will allow educational priorities and day-to-day operations to remain steady, officials said.
Jackson Local’s other changes
The school board also named Sauder Elementary Principal John Reindel as chief academic officer.
Three years ago, the district absorbed an administrator’s role as part of its succession planning.
DiLoreto said Ziders and Reindel have been preparing for these roles for years.
“Our families will feel continuity. I’m grateful for their commitment to learning and to this organization, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue preparing for a successful transition that keeps students at the center,” DiLoreto added.
Board of Education President Lia Jones said the board has intentionally invested in developing leaders who understand both education excellence and operational stewardship, including advanced preparation through Walsh University’s Education Leadership Master of Business Administration program.
The board sent five district leaders through the program to strengthen the district’s leadership pipeline, she said.
Jackson Local has seven district leaders, including Ziders and Reindel, with MBAs.
Other leadership roles approved by the board include Joe Knopick, high school assistant principal, moving into Ziders’ role as high school principal. Sauder Elementary Dean of students Jordan Parks will replace Reindel as principal.
“Throughout this process, the focus remains on the organization: protecting what works, strengthening what’s next, and continuing to strive for excellence for every student,” Jones said.
DiLoreto will finish his 16th year as superintendent next school year
In a letter presented to the board, DiLoreto said putting into words what the district means to him is difficult.
“Jackson Local Schools has been far more than a workplace – it has been a community of people committed to excellence, service, and doing what is right for students,” he wrote.
“Jackson is also home for my family. Having the support and stability of my wife, Lisa, has made it possible to continue in this role for 15, going on 16 years. Our daughter, Gia, a proud 2016 Jackson graduate, was raised here. That personal connection has made serving this district even more meaningful for us.”
Upon his retirement, DiLoreto will have served 39 years in education.
Reflecting on his tenure, DiLoreto wrote three things were clear to him – he is grateful for the stable leadership of the school board, a dedicated, student-centered staff, and he will forever value the relationships built throughout the journey.
“Those relationships have been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. They have strengthened our district, supported our students, and made Jackson Local Schools a special place,” he wrote.
During the meeting, Jones took the time to recognize DiLoreto’s service, leadership and impact.
“This board and Mr. DiLoreto have shared many seasons of celebration. Together, we have recognized student achievement, academic excellence, talented student artists, state championships, staff excellence, innovation, growth, and the support of a community that believes in its schools.We are in this position today because Mr. DiLoreto and this Board of Education have approached leadership transition with care, discipline, and a well-thought-out succession plan,” Jones said.
“That kind of leadership leaves a lasting mark. In many ways, the intentional succession plan we are announcing today reflects that same commitment to preparing this district for continued excellence.”
Jones reiterated that DiLoreto will remain in the superintendent role through the end of next school year.
“This plan is not about changing leadership today. It is about ensuring that – when the time does come – the district is prepared and positioned for continued excellence,” she added.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1335 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Jackson Local Schools to undergo major leadership changes
Reporting by Amy L. Knapp, Massillon Independent / The Independent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
