Solon Schools Name New Superintendent

SOLON, OH — Fred Bolden has been named the superintendent of the Solon Schools.

Bolden was serving as interim superintendent following the death of Joe Regano in July. On Monday morning, Bolden signed a three-year contract to become full-time superintendent of the district.

“Fred has been an integral member of our team for more than 20 years and has been a driving force in the continued success of the Solon Schools,” said Julie Glavin, Solon Board of Education President. “Fred has a tremendous intellect and is extraordinarily solution-oriented. He is forward-thinking with an uncanny ability to see and understand the big picture. Fred has worked tirelessly to earn the respect and trust of the Board of Education, his colleagues, staff, families, students and the entire Solon Schools community.”

Bolden worked as an administrator, with Regano, for eight years. In fact, Bolden's academic career began in the Solon Schools. He did his student teaching at Roxbury Elementary in 1995 and became a full-time teacher in the building in 1997.

Between 1996 and 2005, Bolden was a classroom teacher and instructional teacher leader, specializing in technology. He became assistant principal of Orchard Middle School in 2005 and principal of Lewis Elementary in 2006.

In 2012, Bolden joined the central office administrative team as the director of business and personnel. He became assistant superintendent in 2016. During the 2019-2020 school year, he served as Superintendent Pro Tempore while Regano was on medical leave.

“It is not lost on me that I am following in the footsteps of the greatest educational leader in our district’s history, Joe Regano. I am humbled by the honor,” Bolden said. “It is my goal to continue to work tirelessly for students, parents, staff and the community so that we maintain the tradition of excellence that was established decades ago."

Both of Bolden's children graduated from the Solon Schools. He was an active parent volunteer during their tenure in the district.

“We as a district have developed a strategic vision and plan to ensure that all students attain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful, contributing and ethical citizens. That is who we are and that is who we will continue to be. Thank you for entrusting me with our most precious resource — the students of the Solon Schools. I will not let you down,” Bolden said.