Lakewood's new high school principal Ryan Lemley comes from Warren schools in Vincent

HEBRON – With Kevin Krier retiring at the end of this school year, Lakewood High School has found itself a new principal.

The Lakewood Board of Education recently OK'd Ryan Lemley for the job, which he will start in late July, the district announced Monday in a news release. In the meantime, he "will be doing some transition work."

Lemley comes to Lakewood from Washington County's Warren High School, in Vincent, where he served as assistant principal starting in 2013 and principal since 2018.

Lakewood officials selected Lemley from 20 applicants the superintendent, other administrators and several staff members interviewed for the position, according to the news release.

While with Warren Local Schools, Lemley gained "extensive experience" evaluating employees, working with labor unions, organizing professional development opportunities and enforcing discipline and attendance policies, according to the release. He also developed emergency operations plans and cultivated positive relationships with parents, other schools and the community.

Before that, Lemley served as a social studies teacher and coach for Southern Local Schools in Racine for 15 years and as athletic director for two, according to the Lakewood district.

“I am thrilled to join the Lancer community,” Lemley said in the news release. “I believe my passion for education, combined with my proven track record of driving positive change, overseeing multiple initiatives, and fostering a culture of learning, will help lead Lakewood High School into an exciting new chapter. With all the change coming to this area, I’m eager to work with staff and students to highlight our unique educational offerings in this county.”

Lakewood Superintendent Mark Gleichauf said in the release the district is confident that Lemley "is the right fit to lead the high school.

“He highlighted his successful experience as a high school administrator through the interview process. He also engaged positively with all stakeholders, students, Lakewood High School staff and district administrators during the process," Gleichauf said. "I am excited for Lakewood High School as his leadership tenure begins. He will be a great addition to our strong Lancer team.”

Lemley holds a bachelor's in secondary education from Ohio University, a master's in classroom teaching with a focus in athletic leadership from the University of Rio Grande and an educational leadership certificate from Salem International University, according to the district.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Lakewood Local Schools hire Ryan Lemley as new high school principal