Candidates say why they want to be Lakota’s next superintendent

According to résumés — obtained exclusively by the Journal-News through an Ohio Public Records request — the 16 candidates to be the next leader of Lakota Local Schools consist largely of school administrators from other Ohio school systems, though some are from Michigan, Indiana, Northern Kentucky and Florida.

The new superintendent for the 16,500-student district, which is Butler County’s largest, would begin working Aug. 1.

Here’s why some of the candidates said they wanted the job:

  • Kimberly Pietsch Miller, chief academic officer for Dublin Schools in Dublin, Ohio, cited in her cover letter her former residency in the Lakota district. "I know first hand the quality of the educational community in Lakota," she said.
  • Carl Metzger, assistant superintendent for South-Western Schools in Grove City near Columbus, wrote he was interested in the Lakota job because "though faced with many of the same challenges experienced by other districts, it is apparent that district stakeholders are willing to work together to do what is in the best interest of all students."

  • Keith Kline, a former assistant principal at Lakota East, cited "a knowledge base that few candidates can bring to the table" in his application. Kline, who in recent years has led West Clermont Schools in Clermont County, said, "I have lived in the Lakota school district for 28 years having served as an educational leader in the school system for 15 (years)."
  • Robb Vogelmann, who was Lakota's assistant superintendent before being appointed to his current role as acting superintendent, wrote: "my experience in Lakota covers a time span of 19 years and a wide range of experiences that includes teaching, coaching, building level administration and central office administration. I am also a community member and have four children that are currently attending Lakota Schools."

The board plans to meet in executive session today, Jan. 26, which Ohio school law allows when districts are discussing personnel decisions.

Board leaders have said they want to hire a new superintendent in March.

Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia was granted medical leave from the job in late August. She was in the final year of her contract.

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