Celina superintendent to resign at end of year

CELINA - Superintendent Ken Schmiesing will retire from Celina City Schools at the beginning of the new year, opening up a new chapter in his life as he takes steps to become a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church.

School board members at a special meeting on Monday morning moved to accept Schmiesing's resignation due to retirement, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Schmiesing has served as superintendent of the school district since Aug. 1, 2015.

Board members in a news release thanked Schmiesing for his dedication to his position and wished him well in retirement. They also said they will work on appointing an interim superintendent as they launch a search for Schmiesing's successor.

"This important decision comes as the Board considers various factors, including timing, the arrival of three new board members in January, and the desire to seek valuable community input," the release reads.

Board members, after careful consideration and deliberation, are confident "that this strategic move will ensure continuity in the administration of our district and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to actively participate in the selection process for a permanent superintendent."

The interim superintendent, who will temporarily assume leadership of the district, will be named before Schmiesing's last day of work to ensure a smooth transition, according to the release.

"By appointing an Interim Superintendent, we can maintain stability and uphold our commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students," board members said.

Schmiesing in a letter to the board said it has been an honor to serve the school district, adding he was inspired to rise every morning to meet the challenges of the day.

"It was only through the cooperative efforts of our students, families, community members, staff, administrators and the Board of Education that we were able to accomplish so much," he wrote.

Schmiesing said he believes now is the right time to take the next steps in his life by retiring from the school district, effective at the beginning of the new year.

"My plan is to continue my studies, and strengthen my faith, as I aspire to complete the requirements to be ordained as a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in the Spring of 2028," he wrote. "Our recent trip to the Holy Lands with Fr. Rob Muhlenkamp was truly aspiring for us."

A Minster native, Schmiesing previously worked as the special education supervisor and principal of Independence Education Center at the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center in Defiance. He also had served as head of school at the Virtual Schoolhouse of Cleveland and was a principal at Toledo Preparatory and Fitness Academy, Sandusky Central Catholic, Buckeye Local Schools, Miami East Local Schools and Russia Local Schools.

He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from NOVA Southeastern University, a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Wright State University.