Retiring Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Superintendent Roscoe Schlachter on His Career

Last week was Roscoe Schlachter’s first week of retirement after a 35-year career in career and technical education.

Schlachter will officially be the superintendent of the until the end of the month, but after 13 years at the center, the administrator decided to start his retirement a bit early with some vacation time. He said his last month was a nostalgic time, as May is the month that students graduate and are recognized for the year’s achievements.

He said he’s pleased in the board’s choice of as his successor, and he’ll be able to walk away comfortably knowing she’s in charge.

“It’s been a great career,” he said.

Here are the superintendent’s thoughts on some changes in the field during his career, stand-out moments and his plans for retirement: 

On getting his start:

Schlachter began his training at Bowling Green State University in industrial education, and said he planned to work for a major motorcycle manufacturer as a trainer for technicians. When a friend at a vocational school in Lorain County said they were in need of a motorcycle repair teacher, his plans changed and he began his career in career and technical education. He earned his master’s degree while there and decided to move into administration, where he’s been ever since.

On the benefits of career and technical education:

Career and technical education is “learning by doing,” Schlachter said. It’s a type of education that a lot of people respond to, and an approach that he’s seen helps people excel. 

“It takes advantage of real learning,” he said. 

On changes in career and technical education:

Oftentimes, people don’t realize that career and technical education prepares students for higher education, not just the work force, Schlachter said. 

When Schlachter was the director of curriculum and technology at the center, the superintendent at the time let him take on changes like bringing in the tech prep concept, which helps students prepare for continued education, he said.

On changes in adult education:

During Schlachter’s career, the oversight of adult education moved from the Ohio Department of Education to the Ohio Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in the state. That change makes it more likely that students who receive certification in adult education programs can turn that education into college credit, he said.

On the people he’s met along the way: 

Schlachter spoke highly of the staff at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, noting how much talent they had and how well they work together.

He also had kind words for all the community members he’s met during public meetings like “Soup with a Supe” – “I meet the most wonderful people there,” he said – and said the most exciting part of the job is meeting with former students, who often tell him where their education has taken them.

On his retirement plans:

The man who spent most of his life in Ohio has big travel plans. His wife is also retiring now, he said, and they both love to travel. They’re headed to the Badlands, Hawaii and the Caribbean with friends and family this summer and fall.