Williams named interim Heights High principal

Brian Williams will serve as the one-year interim Heights High principal.

Brian Williams, longtime school district administrator and current coordinator of alternative programming at the Options Center, has been named the interim high school principal for the 2017–18 school year.

The CH-UH City School District recently completed the interview process for its open position of high school principal, bringing in two finalists for community interviews in June. The top candidate, however, declined the district’s offer.

Williams will serve as Heights High’s principal for the upcoming school year, and then return to lead the Options program. Claude Holland, a retired CH-UH teacher and coach, will serve as interim Options site supervisor for 2017–18.

The district plans to conduct a national search for a permanent replacement principal at Heights High, beginning in the spring of 2018.

“While having an interim principal is not my preference, I couldn’t think of a better leader for Heights High than Dr. Williams, who has graciously agreed to serve in this interim role,” said CH-UH Superintendent Talisa Dixon. “He has been in the district for 20 years and has demonstrated considerable success with the Options program, especially in helping to increase our graduation rate. Dr. Williams is student-centered and works collaboratively with the administration, teachers and staff.”

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to lead Heights High in the upcoming year,” said Williams. “I look forward to getting to know the students and their families, and working together with our tremendous high school staff. It is tough to step away from Options for the year, but I know that Mr. Holland and the Options staff will continue to be champions for the students we serve.”

“Parents and community members should rest assured that Heights High is in good hands as we open the new building in August,” added Dixon. “I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Williams and his ability to connect with students, staff, and the entire school community.”

[Editor’s note: Zoraba Ross, former Heights High administrative principal, resigned from that position effective June 30, according to a message from Ross posted on the district’s website. Ross’s resignation corresponded with the end of his three-year contract with the district.]

Scott Wortman

Scott Wortman is the supervisor of communications for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.

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Volume 10, Issue 8, Posted 11:39 AM, 07.24.2017