August 1, 2012
Dear Mayfield City Schools Students, Staff, Parents and Residents,
Welcome to another new school year. The 2012-13 school year promises to be a great one. I would like to take this opportunity to say I am honored and very excited to be your Superintendent of Schools. The Mayfield City School District is one of the finest school districts in the nation. Since being here, I have learned the tradition of excellence that exists is due to the wonderful people of our community and the hard work of our students and staff.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little but about myself and my family. First and foremost, I am a husband and father. My wife Peggy and I have five adult children, four boys and a girl, ranging in age from 18-to-27 years old. You guessed it; our daughter is the fifth child. Our oldest son was married this past May and our second son is working in Cincinnati. This fall our daughter will be serving in the Americorps and our other two sons will be entering their junior and senior years of college. Our kids are far from perfect but they are good people. I tell you this because my experiences as a father have helped to shape me as an educator and a leader.
I deeply believe in a quality and comprehensive education for all students. Mayfield is known not only for its academic excellence and extracurricular programs, but also for the positive and healthy relationships between staff and students. I take very seriously that you have entrusted the young people of this community to our care and expect our fine staff to give their best day in and day out.
My mission as your Superintendent is also my passion and is the reason I do what I do. That is, to maintain and grow a rigorous teaching and learning environment that provides every student with a sense of belonging while helping students to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially. It is critical to every student’s success that they graduate from high school with the habits of mind and skills necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams.
I was fortunate enough to have several days this past spring and summer to get acclimated. I have visited schools and classrooms, participated in construction meetings and worked with our leadership team developing work goals that will maintain our excellence and drive us toward continuous improvement.
There is much for your students to be excited about when they return on Tuesday, August 21st. All of our schools, most recently Mayfield High, have been renovated and updated to give students and teachers the space and enhanced technology they need for 21st century learning. The Mayfield Wildcat Park is nearing completion and will offer new fields, stands, turf and facilities for students, staff, athletes, band members and the Mayfield community to enjoy.
Finally, I want to congratulate Dr. Phil Price for his 14 years of exemplary leadership of Mayfield Schools. I wish him well in his retirement.
With great pride,
Keith Kelly, Ph.D.
Go Wildcats!
Media Connection
April 5, 2012
Dr. Keith Kelly named next Superintendent of Mayfield City Schools
MAYFIELD SCHOOLS – The Mayfield Board of Education voted unanimously to offer a three-year contract to Dr. Keith Kelly who will serve as Mayfield’s next Superintendent.
Effective August 1st, Dr. Kelly will assume the district’s leadership post upon the retirement of long-time superintendent Dr. Phillip Price who will retire after successfully
serving Mayfield Schools for 14 years.
“As the Board searched for a new Superintendent, it was imperative for us to find an individual who was a good fit for Mayfield and who would be the right leader to continue our mission – Every Student, Every Day,” said Sue Groszek, President, Mayfield Board of Education. “We have found that fit in Dr.Kelly.”
Dr. Kelly has worked in education for 32 years. As a career educator, Dr. Kelly has worked in and out of the classroom as a special education teacher and associate principal in Illinois, and as a high school principal in southern Ohio. Currently, Dr. Kelly is the Assistant Superintendent at the Sycamore Community School District in Cincinnati where he has held the leadership position since 2005.
“My passion for education is the same now as it was 32 years ago when I first entered teaching,” Dr. Kelly said. “And for me, that passion is driven by the awesome responsibility we have to create learning environments in which all of our children can experience achievement, personal growth and a sense of belonging.”
The Mayfield Board of Education began its Superintendent’s Search in November 2011 with the guidance of Paul Pendleton of Finding Leaders. Since the search began, more than 60 candidates submitted applications for the Mayfield Superintendent’s position. The Board interviewed five finalists and unanimously chose Dr. Kelly for his leadership, expertise and understanding of the Mayfield Schools culture. “After watching him interview with our major stakeholders, it became evident that under Dr. Kelly’s leadership Mayfield will continue and improve upon its tradition of success,” said School Board Vice President George Hughes.
Similar to the Mayfield City Schools, Sycamore Community School District closely mirrors the achievement levels of Mayfield students and staff. A district of 5,100 students, the Sycamore School District has earned the Ohio Department of Education’s top rating of Excellent or Excellent with Distinction for the last 11 years.
For further information contact Laurie Uhlir, Director of Community Relations, 440.995.7222