Heights Schools Select New Superintendent

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH - Elizabeth Kirby is the new superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools.

"am excited about the opportunity to return home to Northeast Ohio and lead a district that is rich in diversity and in opportunities for students,” said Kirby in a statement following the Board’s announcement. “I truly felt at home during my day in CH-UH when meeting the students, staff, and community members. I am impressed with the great work happening in the schools. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to build upon the momentum created through the district’s strategic plan and guiding mission.”

Originally from the Shaker-Buckeye neighborhood, Kirby has been serving as Chief of School Strategy and Planning for Chicago Public Schools. She has spent more than two decades with the Chicago Public Schools.

Kirby will start work on Aug. 1, 2019. Brian Williams will continue to serve as interim superintendent, until Kirby starts.

"We selected Ms. Kirby because we are confident she is committed to the key values of our current strategic plan: equity, engagement, and enhancing relationships with our staff, families, and community. We believe she will build upon this foundation, without starting over, to move our district to the next level in improving student outcomes,” said Board of Education President Jodi Sourini. “She brings a proven track record of raising student achievement and closing learning gaps in a diverse community similar to ours. She did this by aligning assessments with curriculum and streamlining the number of assessments being used -- providing teachers and staff with useful and actionable information while reducing the amount of instructional time lost due to testing.