Huron, Sandusky schools see leadership changes

SANDUSKY — A major shakeup at Huron Schools has ramifications for a neighboring district. On Tuesday, a domino-like effect occurred when Huron Schools superintendent Dennis Muratori resigned, effective July 1. Muratori then revealed he's accepted a leadership role with Sandusky Schools, poised to become its chief of staff and transformation officer. It's a position similar to an assistant superintendent. Sandusky board members, also on Tuesday, hired Muratori for the job. He'll replace Stephen Sturgill, who's filling the chief academic officer position vacated by Vilicia Cade on Tuesday. The chief academic officer oversees Sandusky Schools' curriculum and academic programming and initiatives. Leading Huron Schools At the end of Tuesday's public meeting in Huron, Muratori turned in his resignation letter, which was read aloud by board president Paul Ward. "While I'm pleased to be returning to my alma mater and hometown, the Huron faculty and staff will always remain near and dear to me," Muratori wrote. He thanked the district board, teachers and staff for their support over the past eight years. "As a team, we have faced every challenge with courage and integrity, always rallying around what's best for kids," Muratori said. "It's been an honor to serve Huron's children." Afterward, the board unanimously accepted Muratori's resignation. Ward thanked Muratori for his leadership, taking over for the embattled Fred Fox. "I always refer to Mr. Muratori as our Gerald Ford — you came in immediately after Watergate and with a steady hand managed our country out of that," said Ward, referencing the Fox situation. "Going back that far, we owe him a debt of gratitude and for managing us when we made tough cuts, managing scarce resources, along with various treasurers, to maximize educational opportunities for our students." Muratori has led Huron Schools since 2013. Last school year, he made $136,000 and is in the middle of a five-year contract approved by the board in 2019, treasurer Randy Drewyor said. In May 2012, Huron Schools board members submitted a formal complaint to the Ohio Ethics Commission regarding Fox's alleged misdeeds, which included an alleged improper business relationship with a district vendor and questionable reimbursements he received during a business trip. Board members also faulted Fox for having a relationship with a woman who worked for another school district. Fox officially lost his job with Huron Schools in April 2013 after the school board, in a 3-2 vote, fired him. After the legal battle that lasted for several years, Fox lost his appeal to Huron Schools in 2018, which, among other decisions, ruled that Fox's firing was rightful and he should not be reinstated to the terms of his contract. Since January 2016, Fox has been the superintendent of Wynford Schools, near Bucyrus. Returning to his roots Muratori's connections to Sandusky Schools run deep. A 1984 Sandusky graduate, he spent 17 years at Sandusky Schools as a teacher, coach, athletic director and district administrator before heading to Huron Schools. Before he left, Muratori worked in an administrative position similar to his new job at Sandusky Schools. Additionally, Muratori's wife, Rebecca, is Sandusky Primary's principal. He lauded Sandusky Schools for their innovative educational programs. "I look forward to working with the Sandusky team," Muratori said. Sandusky Schools superintendent Eugene Sanders said Muratori was the "best fit" after multiple interviews. "He is knowledgeable about our district and we are confident in his ability to hit the ground running and continue our transformation efforts," Sanders said. Muratori's new salary is not yet known. Sturgill, the current chief of staff and transformation officer since 2018, became the district's chief academic officer on Tuesday. "We are confident that Dr. Sturgill will continue building upon the foundational work that Dr. Cade has built over the last three years", said Sanders, referencing Cade's departure to Delaware. "This transition will allow for a seamless flow of academic transformation within the district." Huron board members will meet during a special closed-door session at 5 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the superintendent search. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood Original post HURON — Huron Schools superintendent Dennis Muratori announced he's resigning during Tuesday's board meeting. He'll become chief of staff at Sandusky Schools. Check back for more details on this developing story