Q&A: Meet David Brand

Get a closer look at North Olmsted City Schools’ new superintendent, who took the helm in August and is looking forward to getting to know students and parents. By Linda Feagler

Q: Where has your career path taken you?

A: I grew up in Elyria. After graduating from Brookside High School in Sheffield, I attended Calvin College in Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education and economics, followed by a master’s degree in educational administration from Ashland University. I taught math at Firelands and Chagrin Falls high schools and was ready and excited to move into an administrative level as principal of South Amherst Middle School in Lorain County and superintendent of South Central Local Schools in Huron County. For the past seven years, I’ve been the superintendent of New Philadelphia City Schools in Tuscarawas County.

Q: Why did you want to become North Olmsted’s superintendent?

A: There’s a standard of excellence here that’s second to none. And the size is perfect. We have about 3,800 students. The district is large enough to offer a variety of great courses that allow students to find their passions and grow their gifts, but small enough where teachers and kids get to know each other. Academics are critical, but the relationships students form with mentors ranging from choir directors and coaches to advisors and teachers is equally important. North Olmsted offers the best of both worlds.

Q: What are some of your goals for the school district?

A: One of my goals is to listen, learn, see and ensure we have a common vision and direction. We have a lot of big challenges ahead of us, including major fiscal ones. Stimulus dollars that resulted from COVID-19 have allowed us to begin addressing some of these issues. The money didn’t fix our problems, but it was a one-time shot that allows us to look at things a little differently — which is why we are not on the ballot in November. We know we can find solutions because we have great people — including a supportive community — and great faculty and staff at the schools, so we’ll be able to work together to do what’s best in the short term and for generations to come.

Q: What do you love about North Olmsted?

A: My wife, Amanda, and I look forward to being a part of this welcoming community. We’re thrilled our daughters Brooke, 16, and Cheyenne, 14, are becoming Eagles. Our [extended] family live nearby, so it’s great to be living on the West Side again.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

A: We’re family people who love to get outdoors and explore the city’s parks and recreation opportunities. We’ve also enjoyed meeting our new neighbors and getting to know our new community.

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