Copley-Fairlawn schools superintendent to retire; board searching for replacement

Alan Ashworth, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·1 min read
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Copley-Fairlawn City Schools Superintendent Brian Poe has announced his decision to retire. His last day will be July 31.
Copley-Fairlawn City Schools Superintendent Brian Poe has announced his decision to retire. His last day will be July 31.

After a 14-year run as superintendent of Copley-Fairlawn City Schools, Brian Poe is retiring. His last day will be July 31.

Poe's resignation was accepted by the Copley-Fairlawn Board of Education at its April 16 meeting. It has subsequently held special meetings as the search process moves forward.

Beth Hertz, vice president of the board, said Tuesday the superintendent will be missed.

"We're very sorry to see him decide to retire," Hertz said. "He's been a very good leader."

Academic achievement, fiscal responsibility cited

In a prepared statement, board President James L. Borchik said Poe helped the district maintain high academic standards.

Highlights from Poe's tenure include the focus on academic achievement and a $50 million bond levy passed by voters in November 2022.

"The improvements from this levy will be felt at every building in our school district,” Poe said in the prepared statement. He could not be reached immediately for comment.

The improvements include the district's stadium complex at the high school, where construction is currently underway.

Copley-Fairlawn Superintendent Brian Poe during a school board meeting in August 2020.
Copley-Fairlawn Superintendent Brian Poe during a school board meeting in August 2020.

Searching for a new Copley-Fairlawn superintendent

The board will hold a special meeting April 24 as it continues a search for a new superintendent.

The board has met with the Summit County Educational Service Center about the search process for Poe's replacement.

In May, the board will recognize Poe and other retirees for their service.

In his prepared statement, Poe said he was proud of his work at the district.

“We have been fiscally responsible, high achieving academically and we have outstanding facilities that we can all be proud of," he said.

More: Copley schools will bring back students in-person this month after starting year online

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Copley-Fairlawn school board searches for new superintendent