Strongsville High Principal Named Ohio Principal Of The Year

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Strongsville High's Mark Smithberger has been named the 2019 Ohio Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators. Smithberger is now eligible for National Principal of the Year.

“Our parents, teachers and especially the students of Strongsville are lucky to have such a distinguished, caring and supportive leader in our educational community. He is a leader who simply makes those around him better," said one Strongsville administrator.

Superintendent Cameron Ryba described Smithberger as "highly skilled" and an "exemplary educational leader." Staffers called Smithberger a master of balancing staff, student and family needs.

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Since 2013, Smithberger has been principal of Strongsville High. Before becoming principal, he was assistant principal of the high school and director of athletics for the Bay Village Schools. He received his Bachelor's, Master's, and doctorate degrees from Ashland University.

Outside of his work with the school district, Smithberger dedicates much of his efforts to local community groups. He has taken a lead role in fundraising for high school athletic facilities, he helped orchestrate an Adopt-a-Family program during the holiday season, and has been named an outstanding advocate for students with special needs by the Special Education Advisory Council.

"The Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators is proud to name Dr. Mark Smithberger as the 2019 Ohio Principal of the Year," the organization said in a press release. "Thank you, Mark, for all that you do for Ohio students! Join us in celebrating this outstanding principal leader!"