Wade Lucas Selected as Next Leader for Olentangy Schools
In a unanimous vote, the Olentangy Board of Education announced this evening during the public session of a special meeting that they intend to hire Wade Lucas, Ed.D. as the Superintendent of Olentangy Local Schools.
“Wade is a dynamic individual with strong community engagement and educational leadership skills,” said Scott Galloway, Olentangy Board of Education president. “Throughout his career, he has created exciting learning environments that motivate students and raise expectations. He is an excellent choice to continue the great work that has already been started at Olentangy to facilitate maximum learning for every student.”
Since April 2007, Lucas has served as the Superintendent of Green Local Schools in Green, Ohio. He also served as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director and Superintendent at Coshocton City Schools from August 1997 to April 2007. Prior to his administrative experience, he was an elementary school teacher in Coshocton and Mt. Vernon City Schools from 1989 to 1998. Lucas holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio; a master’s degree in education from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio; and an educational doctorate in educational administration from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.
Green Local Schools received an “Excellent with Distinction” rating on their August 2008 state report card meeting 30 of the 30 indicators. The district also met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), had above expected growth on the value-added component and earned a Performance Index score of 104.1. With an average daily enrollment of 4,096 students, Green Local Schools is located in Summit County in Northeast Ohio.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Olentangy family,” said Lucas. “This is already a fantastic district with high expectations for student achievement, community engagement and fiscal responsibility. I look forward to joining this great community and working with parents, staff members and students to help take Olentangy Local Schools to the next level of excellence.”
The board will host a community reception so Olentangy residents may meet Lucas in person. Details related to Lucas’ employment such as his contract and start date are still being discussed and will be announced in the future. The board’s next scheduled meeting is their Organizational Meeting followed by a regular meeting on January 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the district’s Administrative Offices, 814 Shanahan Road in Lewis Center.
Lucas and his wife Teresa have been married for 29 years; have four children (Nicole, Jenna, Zachary and William) and three grandchildren (Luke, Max and Gracie).