New Principal, Executive Announced For Solon Schools

SOLON, OH — The Solon Schools have approved the appointment of Mike Acomb as the district's director of business and personnel and Julia Howell as the new principal of Lewis Elementary. Both will start transitioning to their new roles on Tuesday.

“Mike Acomb and Julia Howell have significant leadership experience in the Solon Schools,” said Solon Board of Education President Julie Glavin. “We are confident they will continue to make a positive impact in our district for students, families and staff.”

Acomb had served as principal of Lewis Elementary School and Orchard Middle School for 15 years. He has spent his entire educational career in the Solon Schools. He began working in the district in 1997 as a third-grade teacher at Roxbury Elementary.

His move to the central office team is crucial, the district said, because Superintendent Pro Tempore Fred Bolden has been handling all director of business duties, as well as superintendent duties.

“The demands of running our district – especially with the logistical complexities and planning needed for the reopening of schools during a pandemic – requires a full team of exceptional administrators. Mr. Bolden has been doing a yeoman’s job balancing these two critical roles, but it is in the best interest of the district that we provide the necessary day-to-day operational support so he can more fully focus on leading our district through these unchartered times," Glavin said.

Howell began her teaching career in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools in 2006. She moved to the Solon Schools in 2008. She has been a curriculum and gifted resource teacher since 2014.

Howell is a Solon resident and Solon High graduate. Her children attend the Solon Schools.

“Julia understands Solon as a student, parent, teacher and leader,” Bolden said. “She is results-driven and has the vision, skills, commitment and energy to be an outstanding elementary school principal. She will lead the Lewis school community with her intellect and her heart.”