District hires K-12 principal

MONROEVILLE — Monroeville Schools announced it hired a K-12 principal, which was also a newly created position. The district approved Khari Grant for his new $105,000 salary position on June 24 and announced the hiring on its social media on Tuesday. The K-12 principal position was created earlier this year. "Monroeville is a community that is rich in culture, tradition and family values," Grant said. "I was excited when I saw the posting because it was during this time, I was looking to return closer to home," Grant added. "After applying and meeting members of the community and the committee, I instantly knew that this was where I needed and wanted to be. The amount of love and support from my students and community helped shape my why." Because the district combined the two administrative roles, Grant will work out of the high school building while he is responsible for the overall operation of the district from elementary to high school. "His duties are comprehensive: The combined position involves instructional leadership across the district," district superintendent Kristin Kaple-Jones said. "He will be able to support our staff and students to help ensure consistency and continuity as students start and finish their educational careers at Monroeville." In this new role, Grant said his top three priorities will be: • Enhanced communication with all district parties, including the community • Innovative teaching and learning • Building and sustaining a positive and caring learning community Kaple-Jones said the position was posted in early May, and application acceptance started almost immediately. Grant was chosen out of more than 25 applicants. "Dr. Grant stood out because of the breadth of his experience working across grade levels, his ability to inspire and motivate staff and students and his exceptional intellect and systems thinking," Kaple-Jones said. "We all knew he was exactly who we were looking for after meeting him in the first interview." The district shared Grant's biography in its hiring announcement on its social media. Scholastic history Grant is a native of Sandusky but has moved around the country. He earned his: • Bachelor of arts degree in English from Ohio State University • Master of science degree in education from the University of Dayton • Doctorate in education from Oakland City University Grant also has an endorsement in reading, English/language arts, principal and superintendent. He is returning home from the Chicago area. Grant has prior experience in high needs middle and high school settings. Grant described these settings as facing significant challenges. Kaple-Jones said this refers to schools in need of high levels of support, change and turnaround. At the middle and high school levels, Grant served as an English teacher, assistant principal, building principal and as an assistant head of school/chief academic officer. At the elementary level, he brings an understanding of literacy development. "We are so excited for the energy and innovation he is bringing to our district," Kaple-Jones said. "Welcome home, Dr. Grant: You're forever an Eagle now."