Fisk applies for North Canton City Schools job

NORTH CANTON — Fifteen people are vying to be superintendent of North Canton City Schools, including Norwalk City Schools Superintendent George Fisk."I think we are making great progress in Norwalk. This decision came down to a personal decision," Fisk told the Reflector on Thursday.The 1992 Canton McKinley High School graduate and new father to a 5-month-old daughter said his interest in the North Canton job is an "opportunity to return home." McKinley is part of Canton City Schools."(My daughter) only gets to see her grandmother once or twice a month. As a family, that's a hard thing to grapple with," Fisk said."Being a father has been a life-changing experience. With the advancing age of my family and the limited number of new openings in Stark County, this was an opportunity I did not feel I could ignore," he said.Superintendent Michael Hartenstein announced his resignation, effective July 31, in January. In February, Hartenstein, who became superintendent in 2012, took a leave of absence. Jim Nicodemo, assistant superintendent of the Stark County Educational Service Center, took over in the interim.Nicodemo didn't apply to be the permanent superintendent."The North Canton search committee is in the very early stages of (its) search and at this time I do not have any information on the search process," said Fisk, adding the opportunity came as the result of "an unexpected opening.""They are in the preliminary stages," he added.Fisk was hired on a three-year contract in Norwalk and started Aug. 1."I feel the progress we are making in Norwalk is substantial and impactful for our current and future students. I continue to be dedicated to increasing innovative practices and improving the educational offerings available to the children of Norwalk," Fisk said in a prepared statement.North Canton school board members said they plan to hire a new superintendent by April. The board accepted applications through Feb. 19. The Stark ESC is assisting in the search.The (Canton) Repository received those applications through a public records request.CANDIDATESMichael J. Acomb, principal of Lewis Elementary School in the Solon City Schools.Thomas V. Brady, principal of Madison Middle School in the Madison Local Schools.George E. Fisk, superintendent of the Norwalk City School district and a 1992 graduate of Canton McKinley High School.James J. Herrholtz, deputy superintendent of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center; former superintendent at Auglaize Educational Service Center, Richmond Heights Local Schools, Madison Local Schools and Hubbard Exempted Village.Chester (Chet) A. Lenartowicz, principal of the Arts Academy at Summit, part of Canton City Schools; former principal at McKinley Senior High School, Early College High School and Madge Youtz Elementary School.Patty A. Main, director of curriculum at Sandy Valley Local Schools.Tim Oberschlake, workday program manager (consultant) at Cleveland Metropolitan (Municipal) School District.Todd S. Osborn, superintendent at Liberty Union-Thurston Local Schools; former principal of Canton South High School.Geoffrey G. Palmer, interim superintendent of Westlake City Schools; former superintendent of the West Geauga Local and Hopewell-Loudon Local school districts.Jennifer M. Penczarski, superintendent of Kenton City Schools; 1992 Lake High School graduate.Kent C. Polen, consultant with Stark ESC; former superintendent of Beaver Local SchoolsDouglas J. Potts, high school/middle school principal of Fredericktown Local Schools.Gregg R. Reink, title one math/technology instructor at Crestwood Local Schools; former superintendent of Edgerton Local Schools, the Mogadore Local School District and the Mid-Ohio Education Service Center.Margaret (Peggy) A. Savage, senior administrator of instruction at Canton City Schools; former curriculum director of North Canton City Schools; former associate principal of Hoover High School and 1977 Hoover graduate.John R. Stanley, retired; former superintendent and principal of Lake Center Christian School; former business manager of North Canton City Schools.