New superintendent for South-Western City Schools recommended by board
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GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Board of Education for South-Western City Schools has made its pick for the next superintendent of the district.
The board recommended Randy Banks, current assistant superintendent at Worthington City Schools, for the open position. The district was looking for a replacement for Bill Wise, who announced plans to retire after holding the position since 2007.
Banks has previous experience at South-Western in positions including director of human resources and director of personnel. The board cited his "innovative outlook" and "human resources expertise" in making their decision, as well as saying his "vision resonated most with the board." The district was choosing between Banks and another finalist, South-Western's Deputy Superintendent Jamie Lusher.
“For the first time in 17 years, the district found itself in uncharted waters to recruit and hire a superintendent,” said Chris Boso, board president. “Prior to second round interviews, we knew that regardless of the eventual outcome, that we were incredibly blessed to be in a position to have both Mr. Randy Banks and Dr. Jamie Lusher as our two finalists who are two exemplary leaders in the field with a deep passion and an unparalleled dedication to helping students succeed."
The board will hold an official vote to approve Banks as superintendent during a Saturday meeting at the South-Western Career Academy Event Center, according to Evan Debo, the district's executive director of communications. Once approved, Banks would take over the role of superintendent on Aug. 1.
Banks shared comments in the district's announcement as well, saying he was happy to be back and he looked forward to working alongside Lusher.
"Beyond facilitating day-to-day teaching and learning, to also be in a position to come into an organization and be reunited with a highly respected colleague in the profession in that of Dr. Jamie Lusher is also a dream come true," Banks said. "Her work in the field is revered among colleagues in the profession and she has consistently left indelible impressions on the academic trajectory of children throughout her entire career."
The five original candidates for a new superintendent also included:
- Dr. Todd Hoadley, Superintendent, Tolles Career and Technical Center
- Chris Papouras, Superintendent, Euclid City Schools
- Dr. Walter Skaggs, Superintendent, St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools
During the search to find Wise’s replacement, the district spent $39,130 out of its $75,000 budget, according to a May 24 invoice from hired attorney Omar Tarazi. The document, which Tarazi sent on behalf of K-12, was the latest of four bills the lawyer has sent to the district since the start of 2024. The previous three were for amounts over $20,000.
The South-Western City School District serves parts of southwestern Columbus, Grove City, Franklin and Prairie townships, Galloway, Georgesville and other southwestern Franklin County areas. It is made up of 16 elementary schools, five intermediate schools, five middle schools, four high schools, one career-technical academy and a special needs preschool. The district’s population includes around 21,000 students and 2,800 staff members.