Edison Schools hires new superintendent

MILAN — Edison Schools' incoming leader is officially on board. During a recent public meeting, board members unanimously hired Corey Ream, Norwalk Schools' director of operations, to become the district's new superintendent. Ream will succeed current superintendent Tom Roth, who announced his retirement in March. Ream stands to make $130,000 annually and will begin his new job on Aug. 1. He'll spend time getting to know the district with Roth during a transition period, board president John Betts said. Additional details about Ream's contract, like its length, are still being worked out, district treasurer Anne Arnold said. During Ream's 23-year career, he was a science teacher for eight years, a building principal for eight years and has worked in his current position at Norwalk Schools since 2015. Ream earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Ohio State University and two master's degrees from Ashland University: in curriculum and instruction and in educational administration. "We are excited to have Mr. Ream joining Edison as the next superintendent," Betts said. "His professionalism and collaborative approach and his experience in all facets of education, including the past seven years in a district office role, will provide a great foundation for his transition to superintendent of Edison." Ream said he's "tremendously excited to be joining the Chargers family." "Edison Schools has proud traditions of excellence and incredible community support," he said. "It is an honor to be part of such an outstanding organization." Ream has been married to his wife, Paulette, who's also a teacher, since 2003. They have two children, Reagan and Brady. Ream's received high praise from Norwalk Schools officials, including one board member. "Corey did a fantastic job for us as director of operations," Norwalk Schools board member and former president Ralph Ritzenthaler said. "He was always on top of concerns that might come before the board. He partnered very well with our superintendent Brad Cooley. "Recently, he worked very closely with the architect on our new elementary building project. Edison sure landed a genuine administrator. Corey is just a well-liked young man with great leadership skills." Edison Schools' search started in April with help from North Point Educational Service Center. The organization provides staffing, services and more to area school districts, including Edison Schools. Roth is retiring after 11 years at Edison Schools and 35 years total in education. "This is my 35th year, so it's a natural time to go," he told the Register in March. "The last 26 years I've been an administrator. My wife and kids have been in the back seat for many of those years, so I've decided to spend more time with my family. "I've enjoyed working with everyone," Roth said. "From parents to staff to students to the community and board members — they are all there for the right reasons, to educate our children." "They were always just great — the way people came together to get through COVID and help kids with school — everybody in the community came together to work on that," he said. - Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.