Lakewood Superintendent Retiring In 2018

LAKEWOOD, OH — Starting July 31, 2018, the Lakewood Schools will be under the leadership of a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Jeff Patterson announced Monday night that he intends to retire after the 2018 school year. Patterson has been with the Lakewood Schools for a dozen years.

“I have been fortunate to have so many exceptional factors come together to make my tenure with Lakewood City Schools a very positive one. These include a visionary board, our deeply committed administrative staff, our talented teaching and support staff, our amazing students, and an extremely supportive community, including a city government that has always been willing to work together,” Patterson said in a statement.

The Lakewood Board of Education has not decided what the next steps in finding Patterson's replacement will be. However, the board did say it would seek input from both the community and employees of the district.

“I decided to announce my intention at this time to allow our Board of Education sufficient time to search for Lakewood's next Superintendent. Our construction projects are coming to an end, our District is in fine financial shape, and our union contracts are extended until 2020. Now is a good time for leadership change,” Patterson said.

Remembering Patterson's Tenure

Patterson joined Lakewood Schools in 2006 when he became the assistant superintendent for secondary and alternative education. During his tenure, he has helped pass a $50 million bond issue, implemented a 1:1 technology initiative for grades 6-10 and held strong negotiations with the district's three labor unions.

Patterson also oversaw the sale of the high school stadium naming rights (now commonly known as First Federal Lakewood Stadium). He was also named the 2015 Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators.

“Jeff Patterson has provided excellent leadership during his years as Superintendent – his commitment to academic excellence has always been in evidence," said Board President Betsy Shaughnessy. "He understands the importance of financial stability to addressing the needs of every student in a coherent and consistent way."

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch