The North Royalton Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Michael K. Laub, Jr. as the new School Superintendent of the North Royalton School District at a special Board meeting that took place on Friday, April 16. He will take the place of Greg Gurka, who will be retiring at the end of this school year, on June 30. The appointment of School Superintendent is effective July 1, 2021 through July 31, 2024, at a base salary of $135,000.
“On behalf of the North Royalton City Schools Board of Education, we are looking forward to having Mr. Laub join our school community as the next superintendent of schools,” said Heidi Dolezal, Board President of North Royalton City Schools. “Mr. Laub has the experience, vision and ability to make a positive impact in our School District. His leadership at Avon has proven his ability to develop a model district. We are confident that Mr. Laub’s passion for learning will allow us to continue to inspire and empower the learners of the North Royalton City Schools. We also are appreciative of our school and community stakeholders who were instrumental in providing their thoughts and assistance through the search process.”
The North Royalton Board of Education began the search in January, assisted by the executive search consulting firm of Finding Leaders. Forty-two applications for the position were received. Six candidates were interviewed by the Board of Education in the first round, which took place on March 23 and 24. “There also were many focus groups representing a cross-section of the community, including teachers, staff, administrators, students, parents and other community stakeholders, who gave input to Finding Leaders on what attributes they were looking for in the next superintendent,” according to district officials. An interview of the two candidates then took place on April 14.
Laub has served as the School Superintendent of the Avon Local School District since 2012. Prior to that, Laub held the position of Human Resources Director at the Westlake City School District, from 2008 to 2012. His educational career experience also includes teaching, Assistant Principal, Principal, and coach for the Strongsville City School District. He received superintendent certification from Bowling Green State University. Laub has a Master of Education Administration from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Education in Middle School Math and Social Studies from Baldwin-Wallace College. He is an Avon resident, along with his wife, Julie, who is a fifth-grade teacher in Strongsville and their daughter, Brooke, who is a high school sophomore. Their son, Michael, is a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet.
“A positive culture is the cornerstone of any successful school district,” said Laub. “To help build a positive culture, a superintendent must be a visible leader, actively engaged with students, staff, families and the community. I look forward to leading this School District and making a positive impact in the communities of North Royalton and Broadview Heights.”
Current North Royalton School Superintendent Greg Gurka stated, “I am very excited to welcome Mike to our district! I know he is going to be the inspiration to keep NRCSD moving from good to great!”
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer