JEFFERSON – The Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education voted to appoint Jeremy Huber as the new superintendent of schools during a special meeting on Friday, April 24.
The board unanimously approved his appointment, as well as two contracts related to the appointment.
“There are two contracts for Mr. Huber,” Board President Hendrik Wolfert explained. “The first contract is a three-month contract, effective May 1 through July 31. The second…is for his five-year contract, which is Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031.”
The three-month contract is because they would like to move him directly into the full-time superintendent position beginning May 1.
That needs to be a three-month contract because state law is you cannot go over five years, Wolfert explained.
The contracts are:
• Employment of Huber as superintendent, effective May 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026, with an annual salary of $125,000, prorated for the three-month term.
• Employment of Huber as superintendent, effective Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031, with an annual salary of $125,000.
Huber, who has been the student success coordinator for the district, had been appointed Interim Superintendent/Student Success Administrator on March 1.
“In my eight years on the board, this is probably the easiest decision I think we’ve had to make, or had the opportunity to make as a board,” Vice President Joseph Tredent said. “Mr. Huber is a professional that, as you all know, leads by example. I think he inspires those in our schools to be the best they can be, in and outside of our schools.”
Wolfert echoed those sentiments.
“I think it is a definite positive change. I’ve already seen a huge change in climate and culture – not only in the buildings, but also out in the community. Everybody that I’ve talked to is very excited,” Wolfert said.
Huber brings 26 years of educational experience as a teacher, coach and educational leader to the position as superintendent, 16 of which involved serving as an administrator with the Jefferson Area Local School District, according to information shared by the board.
“Following a thorough search process guided by the ESC of the Western Reserve, that included community and staff surveys, the Board selected Mr. Huber for his strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, community engagement and fiscal responsibility,” reads a press release.
The Board held a special meeting on Saturday, April 18, where board members interviewed four candidates from a pool of 12 who had applied for the superintendent position.
“We are thrilled to appoint a leader who brings outstanding experience, vision, and a deep commitment to our students and community,” said Wolfert. “Jeremy Huber’s expertise will be a tremendous asset to our district as we move forward.”
In his previous roles, Huber has been recognized for implementing comprehensive student success programs to bridge achievement gaps and improve graduation outcomes.
“Building on his extensive history with the district, Huber has used his time as interim superintendent to strengthen community partnerships and guide the Jefferson Schools towards its long-term goals,” reads the press release.
Huber holds a Master of Education from Duquesne University and a Bachelor’s degree from Geneva College.
“I am honored to lead the Jefferson Area School District and look forward to collaborating with teachers, staff, families, and community members to ensure every student thrives,” said Huber.
With such an anticipation of the vote, the meeting was held in the auditorium of Jefferson Area High School, instead of the library, to account for the crowd attendance.
The audience loudly applauded after the vote.
“I really appreciate the support. When I look out into the crowd, I just see individual people, individual stories, and I have enjoyed working with everybody here, and I look forward to working and continuing to build,” Huber said.
He said he looks forward to working with everyone.
“This is a great school district. I have not looked for a job – this whole interview process has been somewhat stressful because I haven’t had a résumé in 16 years,” Huber said. “I really just love what we’re doing, and there’s so much momentum.”
