BOE names Williams district's interim superintendent

Current CH-UH Superintendent Talisa Dixon (left) with Interim Superintendent Brian Williams and Board of Education President Jodi Sourini.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education (BOE) has named Brian Williams, longtime district administrator and, currently, coordinator of alternative programming at the Options Center, interim superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.

Williams will assume the interim role on March 4, the date on which current Superintendent Talisa Dixon plans to start her new job as superintendent of the Columbus City School District.

The BOE unanimously approved the appointment of Williams at its meeting on Jan. 30. He will serve through the end of July, and return to his role with the Options program on Aug. 1. Williams is not a candidate for the superintendent position.

“We wanted an interim superintendent who has a demonstrated track record of success in leading our district through transitions. We are excited to have Dr. Williams lead our district, and we are fortunate to have a deep pool of qualified candidates who could fill the interim role,” said Board of Education President Jodi Sourini. “Dr. Williams is a proven leader, an outstanding educator, and someone who is universally respected throughout our school community.”

The BOE is currently undertaking a national search for its next superintendent. The board expects to begin interviewing candidates in February, and have the new superintendent begin on Aug. 1.