New Miami superintendent placed on leave

The New Miami superintendent was placed on unpaid administrative leave earlier this week.

The school board voted Monday to put Patricia Blake on administrative leave immediately after her superintendent’s license expired June 30.

Blake said Wednesday her license is in the process of being renewed by the Ohio Department of Education.

Blake was hired as superintendent in August 2014 at an annual salary of $98,000. Blake said she plans to continue as superintendent and is under contract through July 31, 2017.

“ODE is so busy and it turned out they needed additional information,” Blake said.

Blake’s application for renewal was received June 25 — five days before the license expired, according to Mike Perona, public information officer for ODE. He said the state is waiting on an official transcript to arrive before the renewal can be issued.

Blake, who came to New Miami from Three Rivers Local Schools in Cleves, said she’s enjoying her time at New Miami and will continue as superintendent.

“I’ve had good evaluations, it’s a good community, good people and I love the kids,” Blake said. “We’re raising what we’re doing in technology. It’s been a good experience so far.”

The school board will meet at 4 p.m. Friday and they may take action to appoint an interim superintendent.

About the Author