Meet The New Superintendent For Lakewood Schools

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Lakewood City Schools have a new superintendent. The Board of Education approved a three-year contract for Mayfield City School District Assistant Superintendent Michael J. Barnes on Wednesday. Barnes will replace departing Superintendent Jeff Patterson.

“A priority in the superintendent search was to find a leader who is an effective communicator with a strong vision to facilitate the goals of the District. Someone who is creative and knowledgeable. Dr. Michael Barnes is all of this,” Board Vice President Linda Beebe said. “He is service oriented and collaborative. He is committed to supporting the needs of every child and educating the entire child. He is a leader for the 21st century.”

Barnes had been rumored to be in consideration for the job for several weeks, though neither Mayfield City School nor Lakewood City School officials would confirm his candidacy.

“The Board of Education has been tremendous throughout this process and I am so very grateful to be the next Superintendent of the Lakewood City School District,” Barnes said in an emailed statement. “I am especially excited to meet the students, staff, administrative team, parents, and community members of this great city. I am looking forward to serving the District and continuing the great traditions and educational excellence that are already present within the Lakewood Schools.”

Barnes began his career as a social studies teacher at Mayfield High School. He is also an adjunct instructor for both Ursuline College and Cleveland State University. He moved into administrative roles in 1998 when he became the assistant principal of Euclid High School. He held that job for two years before taking the same job at Charles F. Brush High School. He held that position for a year.

He soon returned to the Mayfield Schools as the director of athletics. He then became Mayfield assistant superintendent. He is also the president-elect of the Ohio Association of School Personnel Administrators Association and the current president of the group’s Northeast Ohio chapter.

Barnes has a doctorate degree in Leadership & Organizational Development from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s in Secondary School Administration from Cleveland State University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Edinboro University.

Current Superintendent Jeff Patterson announced announced in November 2017 that he was planning to retire after the 2017-2018 school year. He has been the superintendent of the district for a dozen years. He said the completion of the district's major construction projects, the school system's strong financial position and the extension of union contracts through 2020 allowed him to feel comfortable stepping away.

Patterson will officially retire on July 31, with Barnes slated to start his position on August 1. He will however have a 15-day transition period prior to his start date when he will be able to work with Patterson.

The Board of Education will host a meet-and-greet with Barnes prior to the regular Board meeting on April 9 at Horace Mann Elementary. The reception will start at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch