‘Tis the season to select school superintendents. At least that holds true in Lake County, where three school districts have announced the appointment of new superintendents within the past month. In each district, school boards have chosen applicants to replace current superintendents who are ret iring. The appointment of a new school superintendent should be considered an important event by anyone who cares about the quality of education provided for children in their school district. Ideally, a superintendent is someone who plays a major role in recommending programs and policies that create an ideal environment for learning, and help students to become well prepared for life after high school. In addition, a superintendent should be committed to working closely with the school board and district treasurer on budgetary matters, to keep the district on solid financial ground and ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely. Here’s a recap on Lake County school districts that recently have appointed new superintendents and a little background on the individuals chosen for these leadership positions. Madison Schools 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. 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. Rambler said it was “a wonderful honor” to be named as Madison Schools superintendent. “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.” Perry Schools Todd Porcello has been selected as the new superintendent for Perry School District. Perry School Board approved Porcello’s appointment at a special meeting on the evening of April 2. “I’m beyond excited and humbled to serve as the next superintendent of Perry Schools,” Porcello said in an April 2 news release. “As a proud member of this community, it means so much to me to have the opportunity to serve in this new role. I look forward to the continued work with our board, staff, students and families to support every student’s journey.” Porcello has served as Perry High School principal for 13 years. He was promoted to that position after working a year and a half as the school’s assistant principal. He came to Perry Schools from the Cardinal School District in Geauga County. At Cardinal, Porcello started out by teaching seventh- and eighth-grade social studies for four years. He went on to become athletic director and assistant principal. Porcello entered the educational field by working for two years as a substitute teacher. Wickliffe Schools The Wickliffe School Board has selected Michael Chokshi to be the district’s new superintendent. Chokshi said he is excited to begin his new journey. “I am deeply honored to join this incredible community as superintendent, guided by the mission to learn, lead and serve,” he said. “I am committed to working with the dedicated board, staff, students and community to continue the exceptional work of the Wickliffe Schools. Together, we will build on this strong foundation to empower our students, support our staff and strengthen our school community.” Chokshi has been the assistant superintendent of Painesville Schools since 2018 and has experience as a building administrator in the Willoughby-Eastlake and Pymatuning Valley school districts. He was previously a social studies teacher and coach, and has a background in curriculum, district operations and creating partnerships within the school community. Wickliffe School Board President Dan Thomeier said the board was impressed with the quality of candidates interested in the superintendent position and especially the finalists. “We are excited to welcome Michael Chokshi to the Wickliffe Schools family,” Thomeier said. “His breadth of exceptional experience in many administrative capacities and exceptional relationship skills with all stakeholders we are confident will make for a bright future for our school district.” The News-Herald congratulates Rambler, Porcello and Chokshi on being named as Lake County’s newest school superintendents. We also wish each the best of luck in their attempts to meet — and hopefully exceed — the expectations of the school boards which appointed them to lead their districts.   ...read more read less