Assistant superintendent steps in as interim Medina High School principal

MEDINA — An interim principal has been named at Medina High School just over one month before students are expected to return to the building and one week before online learning commences. Assistant Superintendent Kristine Quallich, a 22-year veteran of Medina Schools, will step into the position and perform both jobs for "at least a few weeks," Superintendent Aaron Sable said during a Monday board meeting. "She's going to be taking a lot on," Sable said. "I've already seen examples of her leadership in high school staff meetings in day one and collaboration with staff members in the building. It's very much appreciated. I know she got a warm welcome this morning with flowers from secretarial staff." The high school principal position became available following Jeff Harrison's hiring as Buckeye Local Schools' new superintendent. School board members approved his resignation Monday. Harrison served as Medina High School athletic director from 2009 to 2015 before transitioning to principal in 2015 and filling that seat through the end of this past school year. "I want to start off by congratulating (Harrison)," Sable said. "He's just going to be moving next door. It's a loss for Medina High School but a real gain for Buckeye. Jeff is ready to make this move and I know he's going to do an outstanding job leading that district." Board members also thanked Harrison for his contributions in Medina. "Jeff is a great educator and we're going to lose him," Ron Ross said. "So, I'm frustrated about that. But when you're good you get noticed and move to the top, just like Jeff did. I'm very proud of him and want to wish him the best." "He's been in the district longer than me," board President Valerie Pavlik said. "I've known him since my son started kindergarten and have seen him grow as an individual and administrator. Our loss is definitely Buckeye's gain, but his children might be breathing a sigh of relief because their dad's not going to be their high school principal anymore." Quallich could remain interim principal through the end of this school year as new principal hires are typically done in the spring, Sable said. He added that available candidates could be hard to find in at least the short-term. "There's a pretty lengthy interview process that includes staff and parents," he said. "It's a big position to fill and we want to make sure we have an appropriate system in place to go through that. The timing, in terms of people's ability to get out of contracts, is a concern." "I've worn two hats and ran a high school as an assistant superintendent, too," Sable added. "It's hard. Fortunately, we have a great administrative team and everyone is stepping up in their own way." As assistant superintendent, Quallich oversees curriculum and instruction, gifted education, special education, instructional technology, the district's business office, human resources, teacher evaluation, EMIS reporting and registration. She also assists Sable with state-mandated reporting, suspension appeals and district policy. In other news from the meeting The board unanimously voted to delay contracted salary increases for Sable and district Treasurer David Chambers that were scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 1. That legislation came upon Sable's recommendation. Pay for the two will be frozen until the superintendent makes a new recommendation saying otherwise. It was also announced that numerous cameras have been set up at Medina High School sports venues. Footage captured will be made available in subscription services costing households $15 to $20 a month in an attempt to compensate for in-person event tickets being strictly limited for the time being. Sable complemented ongoing efforts in Medina Schools buildings to prepare for what will be an unprecedented reopening. "In walking through our buildings, especially the high school here today, people were working very hard putting up arrows and one-way signs," he said. "It's a lot of work in a building this size. I appreciate how so many people are stepping up to help our students return to school." Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330)721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.