WELCOMING A NEW SUPERINTENDENT

A MEMORABLE TRANSITION: FRESH LEADERSHIP, NEW BEGINNINGS

BY EMMA KOLICK

As Mr. Gurka announced his plans to retire at the con- versity encouraged its students to diversify clusion of the current school year following an out- their skill set by taking a variety of courses in standing eight years as district superintendent, the a range of subjects, thus allowing him to find North Royalton Board of Education immediately set a love for education and helping students, out to find an equally remarkable candidate who would ensure leading to an extensive educational career. the prioritization of students as the heart of education. Under- Furthering his knowledge through obgoing a comprehensive and thorough search, involving over taining a master’s degree in education from Cleveland State Uniforty applicants and numer- versity and a superintenous interviews, the board dent’s license from Bowling worked diligently in finding Green State University, he a candidate whose experi- began at Strongsville Middle ences would allow for a con- School as both a teacher and tinued improvement on the a coach, as he played footdistrict’s exceptional legacy ball and baseball in college. in providing students with Serving as vice principal, immense academic and so- and later principal, at varicial opportunities. ous local schools, he delved

Narrowing the search into the administrative level to two final candidates, the as Human Resources Direcsuperintendent position tor at Westlake City Schools. was ultimately granted to Eventually extending his Mr. Laub, whose immense leadership into his role as educational knowledge and Avon superintendent, he experience as Avon City has remained in this posiSchools superintendent for tion for just under a decade. just under a decade allowed With the board him to distinguish himself from the abundance of qualified applicants vying to lead the district. Marking a transition of momentous change, this transition of leadership serves as a As the administrative team and Board of Education alike celebrated this momentous transition for the first time in nearly a decade, him and his daughter, Brooke, and wife, Julie, stood closely together just outside of Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium. searching for a candidate that would provide for an organized way in which to improve upon the already fantastic school district, a core quality of a potential nominee included symbol of great success, as Laub approaching education with meets and exceeds almost every qualification both the administra- the students at the center of each decision. As prior knowledge tive team and the board alike hoped to see in the next superinten- and interaction with kids is salient in order to fully embody this dent. Signing a three-year contract that is set to begin on July 1, he principle, qualified applicants were expected to hold a substantial showcases a genuine passion for kids and education, evident in his history in connecting with students across all levels and successpast experiences at both prior scholastic roles and college itself. fully utilizing resources to improve the quality of education pro-

“When I took my very first education class, I fell in love vided. with it,” said Laub, new superintendent of North Royalton City “We wanted someone with experience in the position,” Schools. “I went home, looked at my mom and dad, and told said Mrs. Dolezal, President of the North Royalton Board of them I wanted to teach and coach the rest of my life,” he con- Education. “We want to remain a quality district that provides tinued passionately. Initially attending Baldwin Wallace with a opportunities and growth for the students through supporting particular interest in accounting and criminal justice, the uni- them academically, socially, and providing for their interests,”

she continued. Given the incredible of the classroom, one of his fatools North Royalton offers, as the vorite days of each school year district recently underwent massive includes traveling to Cleveland construction projects in creating both State University and watching a new high school and elementary Avon students eagerly particischool, this past experience in lead- pate in a robotics competition. ership will enable the new superin- As personally interacting with tendent to properly employ these students is his favorite part of resources to generate innovative and being superintendent, this job is substantial change. made especially more difficult

However, immediate alterations given Avon’s sheer size, as Avon will not transpire with this new High School houses roughly transition, as Laub emphasizes first double the number of students forming relationships with students as NRHS. This stark difference and staff alike, listening to the con- only further proves his dedicerns of community members, and cation to interacting with stuattending meetings in order to gain a dents, demonstrating the clear clear picture of the district as its own special community. As specific policy ideas remain undecided, he prefers a thoughtful decision-making process in familiarizing himself with the schools and staff members. While his agenda The North Royalton Board of Education, who worked diligently to ensure this position was filled by an exceptional character with immense scholastic experience, excitedly surround the district’s new leader. way he fits into North Royalton. Though his experiences in Avon have been immensely enjoyable, as he has even raised his children in the community, he always kept a close eye on North is largely dependent upon his eventual Royalton, as his wife works as experiences within the district itself, he remains steadfast in his a teacher in nearby Strongsville. Holding a high opinion of the belief that students must come first in every situation. district since high school, as he often competed against North

“If we all work together to create this roadmap of where we Royalton during his time as a three-sport athlete in Berea, he felt want to go, we can use that roadmap as our framework in mak- this new superintendency endeavor would bring remarkably exing decisions, so that way our decisions align with what we feel citing opportunities. is important,” said Laub. “To me, that’s putting students first,” he While his scholastic experiences are of tremendous imsaid adamantly. portance, he ultimately prioritizes his family, as he and his

While academic decisions are of immense importance in beloved wife, Julie, reside in the Avon community. With two regards to creating an excellent educational environment, many children, their daughter, Brooke, is a sophomore at Avon High believe that support for students’ interests must remain a priority, School, and their son, Michael, is a cadet at the United States as well. Air Force Academy. Eventually hoping to move to North

“I hope the new superintendent enjoys seeing students suc- Royalton in order to increase involvement in the community ceed elsewhere, whether that’s at musical performances or sports and lessen commute time, this will transpire in a few years games,” said Mr. Gurka, who is retiring at the conclusion of this given their daughter’s current status at Avon High School. “If school year as district superintendent. “It’s time-consuming, but we moved now, I think I’d lose my job as a dad a little bit,” he I hope they genuinely want to get involved with the communi- said with a chuckle. ty and interact with the students,” he continued, reflecting on Given his keen interest in bettering the scholastic experienchis experience at North Royalton, as he frequents school sports es of students and ensuring kids are at the heart of each decision, events and personally communicates with students in an effort his passion for education will be of tremendous benefit to the to showcase his genuine care for their varied passions. Similarly, North Royalton community as a whole. As this change in leadLaub embodies this thought process in regards to education. ership provides opportunities for fresh and exciting changes, the

“Kids truly know me, which is the coolest part of my job,” district looks forward to this incredibly momentous transition, Laub said excitedly. “Everyone knows where I stand on Friday while also recognizing Gurka’s accomplishments over the years. night during the football game, and kids would say I support the “I know those are big shoes to fill, and I don’t take that lightly,” heck out of what they do because our district should be about said Laub. “I value him and his legacy and everything he’s done them,” he said. Attending an abundance of school events due there. I think I ended up doing what I was meant to do, and I to his authentic enjoyment in viewing students’ success outside certainly love it,” he finished proudly.