Following seven years as superintendent of the Miami Trace Local School District, David Lewis is expected to become the next superintendent of Newark City Schools in Ohio.
In a Facebook post on the Miami Trace page, Lewis wrote his departure “is a bittersweet moment for me. I am excited for a new opportunity, yet sad to be leaving such a special place. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve as the superintendent of this district for the past seven years. I have made many memories and friends that will last a lifetime.”
Miami Trace Board of Education President Bruce Kirkpatrick said the board was set to begin discussions Monday evening at a special board meeting concerning Lewis’s resignation and the upcoming search for a new superintendent.
“This process is really just beginning. We will have updates once the resignation becomes official and the search begins,” said Kirkpatrick. “(Lewis) has done a fine job for Miami Trace and I want to thank him for the job he’s done.”
According to a press release from Newark City Schools, the district’s school board intends to approve a contract with Lewis as the next superintendent at its regular meeting on June 8.
“The Board was impressed with Mr. Lewis’ focus on students, his demonstrated evidence of collaboration with both staff and other stakeholders, his history of community involvement, his vision for the Newark City Schools, and his energy,” Newark City Schools’ board president Timothy Carr said.
Carr added that Lewis will become an integral part of the Newark community since one of the board’s requirements was that the new superintendent become embedded in the district, and he added that Lewis is looking forward to that opportunity.
During his tenure at Miami Trace, the district earned an overall grade of B on the state’s district report card, successfully passed a bond issue to construct a new high school, initiated a marketing plan that has raised about $750,000 for facility improvements, and established a new learning center serving the district as an alternative school and behavior unit for students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Lewis had nothing but kind words describing his experiences at Miami Trace and with the Fayette County community.
“I so appreciate our staff, students, parents and the community during my time at Miami Trace,” Lewis said. “I never felt like an outsider coming here, and that’s not something you can say at a lot of places when you come in as a new superintendent. I feel like we’ve accomplished so much during my time as superintendent. The district will remain in good hands and I think Miami Trace is really set to take off and take the next step academically.”
Lewis has family ties to the Newark area and he said the job gets him closer to his hometown of Delaware.
“This is very bittersweet for me,” he said. “My son and daughter both graduated from Miami Trace and I truly enjoyed my time here.
“Over the past seven years I have attended many contests, activities, and events in this district. I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed in the way our students have conducted themselves. They always represent Miami Trace with class. This is a tribute to the families and staff that work with our students everyday.
“The future for Miami Trace is bright, and I will remain one of the biggest fans. Thank you for making my family and I feel at home for the last seven years. Go Panthers!”
Stay with the Record-Herald as the search for a new Miami Trace superintendent progresses.
Reach Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352.
