New principals at CH-UH
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District prides itself on being able to attract top talent to the schools here. The district welcomes the following principals to their new positions.
Joseph Nohra, Jr., PRIDE at Cleveland Heights High School
Joseph Nohra became an administrator seven years ago after eight years in the classroom. In his last position, he served as the principal for freshmen at Austintown Fitch High School, where he led a successful effort to improve preparation for students taking the Ohio Graduation Test. Before working at Austintown Fitch, Nohra was the athletic administrator, assistant athletic director, and principal at an alternative school. He has a degree in special education from Youngstown State University, a master’s degree in administration from Westminster, and is currently working on his doctorate at Youngstown State University. Nohra will replace Patrick McNichols.
Patrick McNichols, Roxboro Middle School
Patrick McNichols is moving from the PRIDE School at Heights High to Roxboro Middle School. While at PRIDE, McNichols achieved improvement throughout the school. At Roxboro, he plans to use his background in international education to develop an international baccalaureate campus, which will include the Mandarin Chinese program offered through a partnership with the Confucius Institute of Cleveland State and Capitol University in Beijing. Before joining the CH-UH team, McNichols served as principal at Lakewood High School, principal of The School of Applied Science & Technology at East High School in Cleveland, as a 9th-grade unit principal in the Cleveland Municipal School District. He taught social studies for several years before becoming an administrator.
Brian Sharosky, Monticello Middle School
Brian Sharosky currently leads Monticello Middle School, taking over for the former principal, Sheldon Smith, who resigned over the summer. Sharosky is eager to work with Monticello teachers and staff members to improve the academic performance of every student. Sharosky’s professional experience includes five years as principal of Roxboro Middle School. Prior to that, he worked for the Twinsburg School District as the assistant principal of Chamberlin Middle School, the athletic director for George G. Dodge Middle School, and as a teacher and coach. Sharosky holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Dayton, teacher certification and a master’s degree in administration from Cleveland State University.
Michael Woods, Bellefaire School
Michael Woods comes to the Bellefaire School with extensive experience in special education and curriculum development. For 15 years, he has been a leader in district policy, community relations, program coordination, and strategic planning and implementation. Woods comes from Mogadore, where he served as the director of special services at Field Local Schools. Prior to working in Mogadore, an Akron suburb, he was an elementary principal for Austintown Local Schools, assistant superintendent for Johnstown-Monroe Schools, and a guidance counselor and middle school principal for Coventry Local Schools in Akron. Before that, he spent 12 years as a middle school teacher for Green Local Schools in Uniontown, Ohio. Woods has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in counseling and school administration from the University of Akron. Woods replaces Odessa Johnson, who has retired.
Rachel Coleman, Noble Elementary School
Rachel Coleman began her career in education right here in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. She taught English at Monticello Middle School for 10 years, then went to the Garfield Heights School District to serve as assistant principal at Garfield Middle School. Within a year, Coleman became principal of the school. Her education includes a degree in English from Hampton University and a master’s degree in education from John Carroll University. She is certified in administration and supervision. Coleman plans to pursue doctorate studies in urban educational affairs. She will replace Julie Beers, who accepted a position with the Cleveland Municipal School District.
Michael Wasser, Fairfax Elementary School
Michael Wasser joins the district as the new principal of Fairfax Elementary School, taking over for Jacky Brown, who retired over the summer. Wasser comes to the district from the McDonald Local School District, outside of Warren, Ohio, where he served as superintendent since 2003. Before that, he worked in the Warren City School District as a teacher, middle school assistant principal, and elementary school principal. Under his leadership, the McDonald Local School District achieved an "Excellent" rating. Wasser received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Youngstown State University, and a master’s degree in education administration and superintendent certification from Ashland University.
Denise A. Leddy, Oxford Elementary School
Denice Leddy comes to the district from the Kent City School District, where she has worked since 1996. While there, she served as elementary school teacher, K-5 principal at two elementary schools, math specialist, and as principal of alternative programs for high school students. Throughout her career, Leddy has had a particular interest in innovative curriculum ideas and developing successful intervention programs for challenged or struggling youth. Leddy holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from John Carroll University and a master’s degree in education from Kent State University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational administration at Kent State University. She will replace Stacy Stuhldreher.
Angee Shaker is the coordinator of communications and community engagement for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.