Solon Schools Superintendent Joseph Regano Dies

SOLON, OH — Solon Schools Superintendent Joseph Regano died on Sunday. He had been on medical leave since August.

Regano fought a long battle with cancer, the district said. During his 35-year tenure in Solon, the school system nearly doubled in size and developed a state and national reputation for educational excellence. The Solon Schools now consistently rank as one of, if not the, best district in Ohio.

Regano frequently said one of his proudest professional accomplishments was developing a supportive, collaborative educational community for families in Solon and Glenwillow. His work led to his induction in the Solon Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

“On behalf of the Solon Board of Education, I would like to express our sincere sympathy to the Regano family. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Joe both as a colleague and friend,” said Julie Glavin, Solon Board of Education president. “For 35 years, Joe Regano represented the ‘heart and soul’ of the Solon City Schools. As a leader, Joe’s contribution was nothing short of exceptional. The well-being of all students was always his top priority and doing ‘what is best for kids’ factored into every decision Joe made."

Regano's impact stretched far beyond the confines of the Solon Schools. He was also president and chairperson of several boards and organizations, including the Greater Cleveland Superintendents' Association and the Alliance for Adequate School Funding. He regularly lobbied members of the Ohio Statehouse to better support public education in Ohio.

“Joe was one of the most positive individuals I have ever met,” added Solon Schools Treasurer Tim Pickana. “He cared for so many people, far beyond what most will ever be able to comprehend. I can only hope to become a fraction of the man one day that he was. He was an unbelievable friend and this void in my heart will never be able to be filled. We love you Joe. Heaven has truly gained a beautiful angel today.’

Regano was a 1966 graduate of Warrensville Heights High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in business education from The Ohio State University and his master's degree in educational administration from Cleveland State University.

He taught business in the Euclid Schools for many years and joined the central staff there as a business manager. Regano came to the Solon Schools in 1985 and became superintendent in 1987. He went on medical leave in August 2019.

“Joe was more than just the leader of this district,” said Fred Bolden, Solon Schools Superintendent Pro Tempore. “His fingerprints are on every facet of our schools. There are few people or places in our community that have not been directly affected by his leadership. For me, he was like a father, a mentor and friend. The bar for excellence in leadership that he has set is something that everyone in our Solon Schools family continually strives to attain. We are all grieving today and Joe will be missed greatly, but his memory will also inspire us all to do better and dig deeper each and every day for the students and community he loved.”