Daniel Rambler has been chosen to become the next superintendent of Madison School District. Madison School Board, during a special meeting on March 11, voted unanimously to appoint Rambler. He will officially begin duties as the district’s top leader on Aug. 1. Rambler will succeed current Superi ntendent Angela Smith, who is retiring. Rambler has served as superintendent of Sandusky Schools since 2022. He previously worked for Akron Schools, where he held positions as director of student support services; central office administrator and coordinator of student services; and assistant principal. In addition, he taught language arts for five years in the Norton School District. Overall, Rambler had worked in education for 23 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Akron; a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati; and is pursuing a doctorate degree through Concordia University. Rambler, who attended the March 11 meeting, said it was “a wonderful honor” to be named as Madison Schools superintendent. Daniel Rambler (Bill DeBus – The News-Herald) “I appreciate all the work the superintendent and the school district have done,” he said. “And I’m really excited to join that work and continue that work moving forward. I can’t wait to meet the students and families and the community, and really get to know people. It’s really exciting to do that.” Madison School Board teamed up with the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve to conduct the search for a new superintendent. An advertisement for the position attracted 23 applications. The ESC of the Western Reserve conducted sessions with key stakeholder groups — including parents, business owners, senior citizens and community leaders — to seek their input about the ideal experience and skills for a new superintendent. That input was forwarded to school board members and considered prior to interviews taking place. Seven applicants were selected for initial interviews. From there, the board chose three candidates for final interviews. Those finalists consisted of Rambler; Roberta A. Cozad, director of special programs for Grand Valley School District in southern Ashtabula County; and Paul A. Lombardo, assistant superintendent of Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. Representatives from the key stakeholder groups that assembled previously then held individual meetings with each of the three finalists. These representatives provided additional input to the board on the three candidates. The final interviews were conducted in a closed session with the board and officials from the ESC of the Western Reserve. Rambler’s record of leadership and improving student achievement made him the right choice to guide Madison Schools moving forward, school board member Jean Sency said in a district news release issued March 11. “He has my full support,” she said. In that same news release, board Vice President Michelle Hayes said Rambler brings a wealth of knowledge and skills that will lead Madison Schools into a new era. “We are confident that he will be a transformative leader for our district,” she said. The board on March 11 approved a measure allowing the district to enter into a three-year contract with Rambler that starts Aug. 1 and concludes July 31, 2028. As superintendent, he will earn an annual starting salary of $138,500. In addition, the board approved a measure authorizing the district to enter into a consultant contract with Rambler. Under terms of this pact, Rambler will perform services during the transition period before the start of his contract as superintendent. He will be paid $532.69 per day for all days worked, according to information on the board’s meeting agenda. Madison Schools Superintendent Angela Smith, center, listens to discussion at the Madison School Board special meeting on March 11. During that meeting, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Daniel Rambler as the district’s next superintendent. Rambler, who currently serves as Saundusky Schools superintendent, will officially begin duties as Madison Schools’ top leader on Aug. 1. Earlier this year, Smith announced her plans to retire after 10 years as Madison Schools superintendent. Seated near her at the March 11 meeting were, from left: board member Brian Horvath and Assistant Superintendent David Bull. (Bill DeBus – The News-Herald) Smith who has served as Madison Schools superintendent for nearly 10 years, also took the opportunity at the March 11 board meeting to personally welcome Rambler. “I am excited to work with you in these coming months, to get you ready to have the whole thing Aug. 1,” she said. ...read more read less