Huron Schools officially hires new superintendent

HURON — Huron Schools administrators officially locked in their preferred candidate for the district's top job. During a recent public meeting, Huron board members approved a three-year contract for incoming superintendent James Tatman, which begins Aug. 1 and extends through July 2025. His yearly salary will start at $135,000, "which can be increased during his three-year contract, but not decreased," board president Jody Mast said. "The board recognized the experience that he brings to the district and wanted to fairly compensate him," Mast said. Board members also approved a consultant contract for Tatman at a per diem rate of $519 for up to 20 days. "These days will be used between now and his official start date of Aug. 1 for onboarding and transition," Mast said. "We wanted to position him and the district for the best possible start this fall." On March 24, Huron board members announced they chose Tatman, Olmsted Falls Schools' chief operating officer, as the next district superintendent. Tatman, who was promoted to his current position last August, was an intervention specialist at Huron Schools from January to July in 2005, his resume states. He's been an administrator at Wellington and Olmsted Falls schools since 2011 and was an adjunct professor at Baldwin-Wallace University in 2017. Tatman will meet with educators and staff members within the next four months before he begins his job on Aug. 1. Mast acknowledged the incoming leader's community-building capabilities. "We believe Dr. Tatman has the ability to unite not only the community but also faculty, support staff and students," she said in the news release. "His vision for the district will involve many voices from all stakeholders. This is an extremely important and exciting opportunity for our district." Tatman said he looks forward to coming back. "I am honored and humbled to be returning to Huron where I started my career as a classroom teacher," he said in the news release. "Through the entire process, it was clear that the district has a rich tradition of pride and excellence. I look forward to working with the board, the leadership team, all of our staff and the community to continue the excellence in education Huron is known for." The Ohio School Boards Association assisted Huron board members with the superintendent search. Current Huron interim superintendent Julie McDonald, the district's curriculum director, will continue serving in the top leadership role through the end of the school year. North Point Educational Service Center administrator John Ruf, who resigned in late February, had been the interim superintendent since July 1, 2021. He was hired to fill the role after superintendent Dennis Muratori left for Sandusky Schools in June. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood - Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.