Westlake school board selects new superintendent

At its Feb. 22 meeting, the Westlake Board of Education approved the hiring of Scott Goggin, superintendent of Midview Local Schools, as its next superintendent effective Aug. 1. Goggin was given a three-year contract.

The Board began its search for the next superintendent in December 2015 with the assistance of a consulting firm. After developing a superintendent profile that was based on information provided by parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, senior citizens, major stakeholders and students, the Board reviewed 22 highly qualified individuals.

Interviews with eight semifinalists were conducted by the Board and a community committee in early February. Two finalists returned for second interviews.

“Mr. Goggin’s track record of supporting high student achievement as a superintendent, and his overall experience as a teacher and administrator made him a strong candidate,” said Board President Carol Winter. “We believe he has the expertise to work with the Board, staff, students and the community to build upon the high-quality program we offer in Westlake, furthering our established mission of excellence in preparing college- and career-ready graduates.”

Goggin has served as superintendent at Midview Local Schools for almost three years. He was Director of Education in the district from 2010 to 2013, principal of Midview Middle School from 2005 to 2010, and assistant principal of Midview High School from 2002 to 2005. He began his career as a special education teacher with the Lakewood City Schools from 1993 to 2001.

“Through this process I had the opportunity to meet a lot of committed people in this district. I’m looking forward to working with all parties to move the Westlake Schools forward,” Goggin said.

Goggin serves on the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) Exceptional Children Committee and is a member of the United Way Lorain County Cabinet, the Greater Cleveland School Superintendent Association and the Elyria Rotary. He was recently invited to join the Mid-American Association of Superintendents.

Goggin earned his undergraduate degree in special education from Bowling Green State University in 1993, a graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling from Kent State University in 1998, and a second graduate degree in educational administration from Ashland University in 2002. He is working toward a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Ashland University, which he expects to receive in August.

In addition to his experience in education, Goggin served as a head varsity softball coach for two years, and a JV softball coach for seven years at Lakewood High School. He also was head freshman volleyball coach for seven years. He earned the Coach of the Year award in 2001.

Goggin and his wife, Michelle, and their two children reside in Avon. He replaces interim Superintendent Geoff Palmer.

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Volume 8, Issue 5, Posted 9:28 AM, 03.01.2016