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A FAREWELL TO SUPERINTENDENT GURKA
AN EMOTIONAL FAREWELL: SUPERINTENDENT GURKA'S EDUCATIONAL CAREER COMES TO A CLOSE
By: Emma Kolick
Amid a period of remarkable mately decided upon elementary education in his sophchange for North Royalton omore year of college at Ohio University. Partly inspired City Schools, as construction by transformative interactions with his past teachers, of both a state-of-the-art he continued to further his pursuit into the educational high school and a master elementary field by obtaining both a master’s degree and a superinschool significantly broadens educa- tendent’s license. Beginning his career as a teacher in lotional horizons, the completion of these grand buildings cal communities, he eventually transitioned into various has allowed for increased opportunities for students and administrative positions, including principal of Albion staff alike. Coupled with the suc- Elementary in 2002 and later cessful navigation of a massive director of personnel for NRCS, public health crisis in ensuring until ultimately achieving the tiboth physical safety and contin- tle of district superintendent in ued academic accomplishments, 2013. the district has triumphed in cre- Given his transition from a ating a school system that is able teacher who directly worked to conquer unexpected chal- with children to administrative lenges while also generating an positions that hindered student extraordinary atmosphere that interactions, this lack of daily enables students to thrive. exposure was no match for Gur-
However, the leadership that ka’s passion for watching kids has guided the district into this flourish in academics, athletics, position will soon alter, as Super- and the arts. “There’s few events intendent Gurka has emotional- you don’t see him at, and not bely announced his plans to retire cause he has to go, but because at the end of the current school he genuinely enjoys going and year, creating a sense of sadness seeing the students succeed,” said within the community that has Presot. viewed his nearly decade long While his three daughters atsuperintendency with immense tended NRCS, his attendance at pleasure and contentment. As after-school activities and events North Royalton will undergo has remained consistent despite a change it has not endured in their graduation. almost ten years, Mr. Gurka’s During the annual Royal View literacy night “I still try and go to all the baslengthy educational career will in which young students gather to hear ketball games, the football games, come to a culminating end at this prominent community members give ani- the plays, and I’ve even driven year’s commencement ceremo- mated readings of children books, Mr. Gurka down to Columbus to watch the ny, marking his last official act as shows the illustrated version of “Hensel and band perform at contest,” said superintendent whose legacy will Gretel Ninja Chicks.” Gurka. “When I watch these stuoutlive the duration of his posi- dents practice and perform, I feel tion. that same pride for the students as I did for my own
“I’ve enjoyed every moment with him. It’s been a kids,” he continued sentimentally. Heavily involved in great experience, and he’s a leader who trusts the peo- the school community, his prioritization for students is ple he works with,” said assistant superintendent Mr. consistently reflected in his day-to-day work. Presot. “He always has the kids’ best interest in mind, Though the superintendent’s role is markedly imand he’s certainly left his mark on the district,” he contin- portant from the students’ view, given his authority to ued. Working together for roughly twenty years, they’ve call snow days, allowing for exciting snowball fights and grown tremendously close in their roles. Though Gur- later wake up times, his position is actually filled with an ka’s career in North Royalton began two decades ago as abundance of complexities similar to this scenario. principal of Albion Elementary, this only represents a “People pay close attention to my decisions regardportion of his vast educational experience. ing snow days,” he said with a laugh, “but I make a
Initially unsure of his potential career path, he ulti- thousand of those kinds of decisions a day.” Overseeing
nearly every aspect of the school, his main objective is to hone in on how each decision will impact the educational experience of North Royalton students and ensure that teachers have the tools necessary to carry out their plans.
“It’s important to him to have a staff that believes that though we may not always agree on everything, we have an understanding that everything is done in the best interest of the kids,” Presot said. Emphasizing community and student-based initiatives, Gurka hopes to have created a sense of pride in both the experience of the schools themselves and the buildings the students reside in, and this mindset led to the incredible creation of contemporary schools that serve as the most visible accomplishment of his career.
“He was instrumental in leading the district to our new and updated facilities, and that will pay dividends for generations to come,” said North Royalton High School principal Mr. Osborne, who believes Mr. Gurka’s contributions to the school district will persist for decades.
As the first proposed bond supported simple renovations of district buildings, the issue failed five times until the ballot changed into one that would construct new schools with advanced technology and space as opposed to minor repairs. Deciding upon a master elementary school and a new high school, the bond issue successfully passed in May of 2017, largely due to Gurka’s leadership and commitment to listening to others.
“I’m proud of a lot of things I do on a daily basis, but these buildings are the big one,” said Gurka, as these spaces will continue to provide for students beyond his superintendency. Given the magnitude of this accomplishment, educational leaders across the district and beyond have shown immense awe, and the North Royalton community has felt a renewed sense of pride.
Despite his visible achievements throughout his career, Mr. Gurka has shown outstanding character through his positive and lighthearted interactions with both students and staff that has served as a reassuring role in guiding North Royalton City Schools to greatness.
“He has a very good sense of humor and there have been many times over the years where that sense of humor was important as we worked through difficult situations,” said Osborne. “Even when things weren’t going how we would have liked, there was a sense if we could find something to laugh or smile about, everything would be okay,” he continued proudly.
Prioritizing a workspace and relationships that were permeated with community and collaboration as opposed to a close-minded environment, his authenticity and comforting sense of humor were continuously present, even within moments of immense seriousness, including the PTA Founder’s Night in 2017.
As PTA Founder’s Night commenced, allowing for a ceremonial presentation of awards to honor distinguished community members, Mr. Gurka sat pleasantly in the audience while, unbeknownst to him, he would soon receive the prestigious PTA Lifetime Achievement award. Beginning to joke with his coworkers, one of whom nominated him for the award, he demonstrated his characteristic love of both music and humor by rapping nonsensical lyrics.
Mr. Gurka’s easy going approach has certainly contributed to the sense of community felt by staff members and administrators alike, and his presence within the district will undoubtedly be missed by the entire North Royalton community.
Despite the unique timing of the transition given the remarkable effort required to continue quality education throughout COVID-19, his decision to part from his career was not fueled by the pandemic, as his family came to a personal consensus over the summer.
Married to his wife, Patty, who works within the district as a Response to Intervention teacher at Albion Elementary school, they’ve resided in North Royalton for decades. Furthering his personal connection with the community, his three daughters, Carly, Alli, and Micaela, have all graduated from NRHS. While the school year ensures a notably full schedule, his recreational time is marked by boating, fishing, golfing, and relaxing at Lake Chautauqua in New York with his family. Ensuring retirement in the fullest sense, he hopes to simply spend the immediate future with his loved ones.
As Mr. Gurka’s legacy is guaranteed to outlive the duration of his career, the community is both saddened by the departure of an excellent human being who cares deeply for the wellbeing of students, while also deeply appreciative of his leadership that has allowed North Royalton to thrive. “My goal as an administrator has always been to help people and take obstacles out of teachers’ way to help the students,” said Gurka. “When I can impact the kids, that’s when I have the best day, and it makes me happy I was able to contribute to that,” he finished with a smile.
Speaking to a middle school classroom filled with captivated 5th grade students, Mr. Gurka explains the importance of being a leader.
