Serving all the communities of the Buckeye Lake Region

Liberty Union superintendent announces retirement




BALTIMORE – Liberty Union – Thurston Schools Superintendent Paul Mathews announced his resignation for retirement purposes last week.

He announced his decision in a one-sentence note to district treasurer David Butler on Feb. 20. “I hereby submit my resignation for retirement purposes, effective July 31, 2014.”

Mathews, 56, has been superintendent 11 years. He has been with the district for 35 years as a teacher, middle school principal and superintendent.

“I decided that the time is right to go do something different,” he told The Beacon. “I will look forward to seeking new challenges.”

Though his resignation caught some by surprise, it has likely been discussed during lengthy executive or closed sessions during school board meetings in recent months. A two-page brochure describing the superintendent search process included a tentative timetable starting with a Feb. 18 announcement of the vacancy.

Applications are due March 18, with interviews beginning March 27. Board members hope to make a decision by mid-April with the new superintendent starting

August 1.

County Superintendent Dan Montgomery is assisting board members with the search.

The brochure notes that the district has had only three superintendents in the last 40 years.

…“the Board is seeking a dedicated individual with outstanding leadership skills who will also become immersed in the local community.”

Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• Excellent listening skills, and an openness to ideas expressed by board members, staff, parents, students, and community members;

• A commitment to high standards and accountability for results;

• A sound fiscal manager who will work collaboratively with the District Treasurer to effectively balance legal, judicial, and financial requirements with the needs of the District;

• A firm, fair, sensitive, and diplomatic leadership style, emphasizing collaboration;

• Commitment to the integration of technology to maximize student achievement; and

• Visible and accessible to students, staff, parents, and the community.

The district is seeking to renew and make permanent a 0.5 percent portion of the district’s 1.75 percent income tax on the May 6 ballot. If voters approve the entire 1.75 percent income tax would be permanent.

The 1.75 percent income tax represents almost one quarter of the district’s revenue, at $2.9 million. The district’s annual budget is more than $12 million. The Ohio Department of Taxation has certified that the 0.5 percent portion should generate $725,000 annually.

Mathews is leaving the district with three excellent buildings. A facility improvement project with the Ohio School Facilitie Commission that was completed in 2011 renovated the high school and elementary school, and built a new middle school. The new superintendent will have address improvements to the district’s football stadium and athletic fields.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *