Jeffrey Stanton named new Buckeye Schools superintendent

YORK TWP. — The Buckeye Board of Education unanimously approved hiring Jeffrey Stanton as the new superintendent of Buckeye Schools on Thursday. Stanton said over the years, he has been in various teaching and administrative roles in districts throughout the state. Most recently, he has been the human resources director of North Olmsted Schools since 2018. "I'm a teacher at heart," he said. "I know I'm an administrator, but I think we're all educators. I've been a very proud public educator for over 30 years, and I'm hoping to do it for at least 10 more (years.)" The sense of pride for Buckeye Local Schools that students, staff and community members have is what attracted him to the district, Stanton said. "Do the students, do the teachers, do the community want to move forward for the betterment of our students?" he said. "The answer in Buckeye is a clear yes. Why wouldn't you want to be here? I'm thrilled to be here. I'm planning on being here for a long time, and I'm very, very grateful that I'm here." The goals for the new role consist of a focus on student learning and getting to know the community better, Stanton said. "Finding out what the community wants from our schools and helping the community move the school district forward for the betterment of our students, those are the goals," he said. Over the past month, the Buckeye Board of Education has been working to fill the role of the district's superintendent. Community stakeholders and the board conducted interviews with candidates before deciding to move forward with Stanton. "We are thrilled to have Jeffrey Stanton join our district as the new superintendent," Buckeye Board of Education President Seth Kujat said. "His exemplary qualifications, visionary leadership and commitment to student success make him the ideal candidate for this role. We are confident that under his guidance, our district will continue to flourish and provide the best educational opportunities for our students." Current Buckeye Superintendent Jeff Harrison accepted the position of superintendent for Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools next school year. His last day is July 31, and Stanton will assume the role on Aug. 1. "As we welcome Jeffrey Stanton into the Buckeye family, the district would also like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Superintendent Harrison for his outstanding work and dedication during his time at Buckeye Local Schools," Kujat said. "Superintendent Harrison has made significant contributions to the district, and his leadership will be remembered and valued." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.