Huron Schools gets new interim leader

HURON — Huron Schools' new temporary leader begins her job this week. Julie McDonald, the district's curriculum director, will serve as interim superintendent, effective Tuesday, board members stated in a news release on Sunday. She'll remain in the position through the end of the school year. John Ruf, the current interim superintendent since July 1, 2021, told the board on Feb. 16 he intended to resign this week. He was hired to fill the role after longtime superintendent Dennis Muratori left for Sandusky Schools in June. "The board wishes to thank John Ruf of North Point Educational Service Center for his service to the district," board members said. North Point provides staffing and educational services and more to area school districts, including Huron Schools. - Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register. - McDonald has worked at Huron Schools since 2018. Before that, she was Sandusky Schools' chief academic officer, overseeing curriculum along with academic programming and initiatives, for almost 20 years. An experienced educator, McDonald earned her bachelor's and masters degrees in addition to a doctorate in education from Bowling Green State University. The Ohio Boards Association is leading Huron Schools' search for a permanent leader. On March 7, Teri Morgan, a consultant with the organization, will meet with teachers, school employees and business leaders and have an open community forum to solicit feedback on desired qualities in a new superintendent. Board members will begin reviewing candidates in early March, with the first round of interviews starting the week of March 7. The application deadline for the job was Friday, Morgan told the Register. "The board will keep the community updated on its progress," officials said. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood