Heights administrative principal brings broad experience to role

Zoraba Ross (second from right) discusses the first day of school with (from left) REAL Principal Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, Legacy Counselor Michael Dixon and Mosiac Counselor Haethem Rasu.

In early August, Zoraba Q Ross became the new administrative principal at Heights High. His experience as a Columbus-area high school principal and athletic director, administrator in the city’s recreation department and assistant director for the King Arts Complex during its $1.6 million renovation project gives him a unique set of skills to lead the school.

His varied background sets the tone for his approach to and view of education. “There are three key components to all great schools—academics, arts and athletics,” Ross said. “I am thrilled to be in a school with strong programs in all three.”

Ross acknowledges his sense of urgency about improving the overall academic performance of the school. “There are many students doing quite well here, but we have far too many who are underperforming. We must address that and help those students re-engage in school and succeed,” said Ross.

One of his major responsibilities will be as an instructional leader to support the small schools principals and teachers and increase the success level for more students. Ross will also help evaluate the small school structure and guide the transition from the current Heights High building to a temporary location during the upcoming building renovation. He recently toured the former Wiley Middle School, which will house Heights High for two years, beginning with the 2015–16 school year.

“Remodeling a school is a big deal,” he said. “When I was involved in the renovation of the King Arts Complex, I learned that if you keep your eye on the prize, the updated building is well worth the short-term inconvenience.”

Ross, who has a teenage daughter, said, “I have very high expectations for students, just as I have for my own child. The school is here to educate and guide students, to support healthy behaviors and habits, not just to punish.”

In case you are wondering about Ross's name, his father gave him his name and the middle initial, Q, does not stand for anything. It is his middle name. “That always made me unique,” he said.

Ross grew up in Marion, 50 miles north of Columbus. He attended The Ohio State University and was captain of the track team. He has a master's of education in education administration from Ashland University.

Ross is the founder of Breakfast with a Purpose, a professional development organization of K–12 African-American administrators working to improve student achievement. He is on the Ohio Athletic Association’s Principal Advisory Board and is chair of the Shumate Council at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus.

Joy Henderson

Joy Henderson is the parent/community liaison for Heights High.

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Volume 7, Issue 9, Posted 9:51 AM, 08.29.2014