TAKE  ACTION
Demand a NEW, Transparent Hiring Process for State Superintendent


On June 13 and 14, the State Board of Education will consider a resolution to bypass a NEW, transparent search process to replace Stephen Dackin as state superintendent. Instead, the resolution would instate Larry Hook as state superintendent, a candidate from the Board's previous shortlist of finalists.

The resolution comes after Stephen Dackin's sudden resignation as superintendent amid growing scrutiny over his role in leading the hiring process as the Board vice president, before applying for the position himself.

​Approval of this resolution removes Ohioans from this important search process and adds more concerns to an already controversial hiring.

Ohioans deserve an honest, transparent hiring process that allows us to review candidates, submit feedback, and inform the decision-making process. We need the ability to advocate for an education leader who will prioritize the safety and well-being of every student and educator, champion honest education, and embrace a Whole Child approach to learning.
The State Board of Education is searching for a new superintendent of public instruction to replace Stephen Dackin, who recently resigned on June 3, after being selected for role on May 10, 2022.

Dackin resigned from the role citing public concerns about his selection as the state superintendent, “Concerns have been raised about my recent acceptance of the position of Superintendent of Public Instruction. I don’t want ‘revolving door’ questions to distract from the important work ahead for schools, educators, and especially the children. Children whose critical learning years have been disrupted by the pandemic need to be the focus of all our time, attention, and creativity.”

Dackin, former State Board vice president, was selected as the new superintendent in May 2022, by a 14-4 vote. As the recent vice president, Dackin led the search for the state superintendent position. He resigned as vice president days before the superintendent position closed and inserted himself as a candidate. 

Read President McGuire's Statement
Read Dackin's Letter of Resignation​

Stephen Dackin was selected to replace Paolo DeMaria, who resigned from the role in September 2021. DeMaria announced his resignation in July 2021, after serving as Ohio's superintendent for five years. Dr. Stephanie Siddens serves as the current interim superintendent, after the anticipated interim superintendent, then-Deputy Superintendent John Richard, unexpectedly resigned in August 2021. 

​TAKE ACTION

Help select Ohio's NEXT state superintendent by telling State Board of Education members what you want in an honest education leader.
​
STEP 1

​Learn about what Ohio needs and deserves in a state superintendent and the
​ values and core competencies of an honesty in education leader.​​
​STEP 2

Contact State Board members.
​Tell Board members what YOU expect from Ohio's new education leader.

RESOURCES
STATE SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH​
  • Job Posting ​HERE
  • ​Ohio State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria to retire in September, Cleveland.com HERE
  • Resignation Of Deputy Superintendent In State's Education Department Causes Concern, Statehouse News HERE​
HONESTY IN EDUCATION​
  • What Ohio Needs and Deserves in a Superintendent of Public Instruction HERE 
  • Profile of an Honesty in Education Leader HERE
  • Why Honesty in Education Matters HERE​
​
​EDUCATION RESOURCES HERE
​OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
  • Whole Child Framework HERE
  • Each Child Our Future 2019-2024 Strategic Plan HERE
  • Diversifying the Teaching Profession HERE​
  • Each Child Means Each Child: Ohio's Plan to Improve Learning Experiences and Outcomes for Students with Disabilities HERE ​
​STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
  • Resolution To Condemn Racism & Advance Equity and Opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color (repealed Oct 2021)  HERE
  • Resolution To Promote Academic Excellence in K-12 Education for Each Ohio Student Without Prejudice or Respect to Race, Ethnicity, or Creed (adopted Oct 2021 to replace Resolution Condemning Racism) HERE
ATTEND A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
SBOE MEETINGS

​WHEN: Monthly Board meetings are every second
Monday and Tuesday of the month

​WHERE: 25 South Front Street, Columbus

Board Meeting Documents Uploaded HERE
​
​Watch LIVE & Previous Board Meetings HERE

HOW TO PRESENT IN-PERSON COMMENT AT BOARD MEETING
  • In-person public comment is presented on Day 2 (Tuesday) of the SBOE meeting, normally in the morning.
  • If presenting in-person, you must email this Public Participation Form to the emails below, by 5pm the Sunday prior to the scheduled SBOE meeting:
  • In-person public comment is limited to 5 minutes.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your in-person comments.
  • If you do not know the answer to a question, it is best to respond "I do not know, but I will get you the information after the meeting." ​Be sure to follow up with the requested information.
​​​​​HOW TO SUBMIT WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT ​​​​
HOW TO WRITE PUBLIC COMMENT
  • State your name and residence.
  • Elaborate on 1-2 points (it’s helpful to incorporate supporting data, research, statistics, and case studies, if able).
  • Include any personal experiences or narratives, if able.
  • Try to avoid professional/technical jargon; ensure the average person will understand your point(s).