The Pickerington Local School District Board of Education announced Saturday that it selected Dr. Charles Smialek as its next superintendent.
The board will vote on Smialek’s contract at a meeting Monday. If he is approved, he will start the job on Aug. 1, according to a district press release.
“Dr. Charles Smialek brings a remarkable wealth of experience, having served as Superintendent in two different districts,” board president Clay Lopez said in a statement. “His deep knowledge of curriculum, high energy, and strong commitment to transparency and community engagement make him an exceptional fit for our District. We look forward to finalizing the contract and welcoming him officially at our next Board meeting.”
Smialek has been the superintendent of the Parma City School District in Cuyahoga County since 2018. Before that, he was the Euclid City School District superintendent also in Cuyahoga County.
He has also previously served as an assistant superintendent, principal and social studies teacher, according to the press release.
Smialek has a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership degree from Kent State University, along with a Master of Arts in teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in history, according to the release.
If approved, he will take on the role previously held by superintendent Chris Briggs, who retired from Pickerington Local Schools on Jan. 31 after over seven years as district head, The Dispatch previously reported.
Dr. Scott J. Hunt has been serving as interim superintendent since Briggs’ retirement and will continue to do so during the transition period.