Lake Local School District announced Monday it plans to hire a Perrysburg principal as its next superintendent. 

Mr. Marjoe Cooper, principal at Fort Meigs Elementary School, has been chosen as the Lake Local School district’s new superintendent, the district said.

Mr. Cooper has been with Perrysburg Schools for six years. Before joining Perrysburg, he held administrative positions at Fremont City Schools.

Mr. Cooper is replacing Superintendent Jim Witt, who is retiring after 17 years leading Lake Local Schools.

The search, facilitated by the Ohio School Boards Association, identified a quality group of candidates from across the state, Board President Brad Blandin said.

“We followed a thorough process. It included planning with our facilitators, school and community focus groups, reference checks, leadership assessments for our finalists, and two rounds of interviews with the board of education, as well as open forums for staff and community members with our finalists. The board is excited for this new chapter in our district’s history and looks forward to Marjoe’s educational leadership.”

Mr. Cooper impressed the staff and the board with his warm, open, collaborative leadership approach and his commitment to visibility, Mr. Blandin said.

“His passion for students and to continue academic improvement is clear. His building leadership experience and track record with student achievement resonated with the board,” he said. 

The board will have a special meeting on Wednesday to formally hire Mr. Cooper, who will begin his official duties as superintendent on Aug. 1.

First Published April 1, 2024, 8:31 p.m.