JEFFERSON – The Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education has named Jeremy Huber to serve as the district’s interim superintendent, effective March 1.
Huber will continue in his current role as Student Success Coordinator while serving in this interim capacity, as the board conducts a search for a new superintendent.
The decision came during a special board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Jefferson Area Board of Education office.
During the meeting, the board discussed the process for interviewing and employing a new superintendent of schools and entered into executive session for the purpose of considering the appointment or employment of a public employee, specifically to discuss potential candidates for the interim superintendent position.
Once they exited executive session and returned to open session, board members voted to name Huber as the district’s interim superintendent.
“We are excited for Jeremy to have this opportunity and are confident that his strong commitment to our students, staff and school community will serve the district well during this transition. His familiarity with our district, focus on student success and collaborative approach make him well suited to step into this role,” Board President Hendrik Wolfert said.
Huber will serve as interim superintendent while the board conducts a search for a new superintendent.
The board had accepted a resignation agreement for Superintendent John Montanaro during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Board member Nicole Noscal said she was looking forward to having Huber in the role.
“Really the reason for him is he’s been with our district for a very long time. He has an excellent relationship with the staff and the students and the community,” Wolfert said. “He is extremely hard working and passionate about the success of Jefferson, and I think he’s going to do a fabulous job.”
Board member Scott Ardary said Huber in the role will make the transition much smoother, being on site already.
“He’s excited about taking on this role and helping with the transition,” Wolfert said.
Along with the board approving Huber as interim superintendent, the board voted to approve a contract with the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve in the amount of $2,500 to provide superintendent search services.
The board had considered several package options from the ESC of the Western Reserve, as well as services from the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center and the Ohio School Boards Association.
The board opted to go with Option 3 from the ESC of the Western Reserve to help with the search for a new superintendent.
Option 3 involves “Posting, Advertisement and Interview Design Support.”
“This option focuses on attracting and engaging qualified candidates while strengthening the District’s interview process. It is well-suited for Districts that manage the search independently but seek professional assistance with preparation and outreach,” reads information from the ESC of the Western Reserve.
The ESC of the Western Reserve will:
—Develop and post a comprehensive Superintendent Search announcement.
—Manage distribution of postings across relevant local, regional and national platforms.
—Design role-specific interview questions aligned with leadership competencies and Superintendent responsibilities.
—Provide guidance on effective outreach strategies to maximize candidate interest and engagement.
Additional services are available with any of the options above upon request and may be customized to meet district needs and include:
—Governance & Board Support
• Consulting and advisory services for the Board of Education.
• Assistance with gathering and incorporating stakeholder input.
• Establishment and facilitation of a candidate screening team
—Candidate & Search Process Enhancements
• Nationwide candidate search and outreach.
• Scheduling and facilitation of finalist site visits.
—Leadership Continuity & Contracting
• Arrangement of interim leadership services.
• Drafting and finalization of Superintendent employment contracts.
Additional fees may apply for optional services.
The Jefferson BOE accepted a resignation agreement for Montanaro during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Montanaro was under a contract of employment with a term of Aug. 1, 2021, through July 31, 2026.
With the resignation agreement, “the Parties have agreed to resolve the Employee’s employment status and resignation for service retirement with the Board.”
At the close of business on Feb. 28, Montanaro will resign from his employment as superintendent and accept employment as a consultant for the Board.
He will then work as a consultant for the Board from March 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026, under the same salary and benefits under his contract, including but not limited to his severance pay, vacation and personal leave cash out, according to the agreement.
Then, Montanaro will submit his resignation for retirement purposes effective at the close of business on July 31, 2026.
