Sandusky super shares goals

SANDUSKY — With less than three weeks to go before students are back in classes in Sandusky, Denny Muratori is not only ready but eager to lead, hoping he can help children succeed. Earlier this year, Sandusky's school board offered a one-year contract for Muratori, which he accepted, to serve as interim superintendent. He'll make about $160,000 during the 2025-26 school year. Muratori succeeds Dan Rambler, who announced his departure from the district in February. It's believed Muratori will only serve one year in this role, giving the school board enough time to find a permanent replacement. "The Sandusky city school board is very thankful that Mr. Muratori was willing to take on this role," board president Martha Murray said. Deep district roots In many different ways, Muratori has a deep connection to the district and the education field. Consider this: • Sandusky is his hometown • He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1984 • He also spent 21 of his 32 years in public education at Sandusky Schools as a teacher, coach, athletic director, administrator, assistant superintendent and chief of staff He also worked for Huron Schools as the district's superintendent for about eight years before returning to Sandusky Schools, in an upper-administrative role, since 2021. Upon being approved for this interim position, Muratori said he will strive to "maintain continuity while bringing in a vision created by the board." He plans to do so by supporting the daily work on behalf of students and families. "My primary focus is to ensure our staff has the resources and opportunities to fully implement the work that has been outlined by our board as they search for the next superintendent," Muratori said. "I'll be working closely with the school board, staff and community to ensure our efforts are aligned with the board's vision for the district's future." Following the vision The school board's strategic vision, Envision 2030, will help Muratori achieve his mission. He defined Envision 2030 as the district's long-term strategic plan. Basically, it's a road map of academic and operational success. Announced in 2020, it's a comprehensive plan detailing the district's steps and future plans leading up to the year 2030. It is an extension of the transformation plan and guides the district's decision-making. More information on the plan is available on the district website. "The plan outlines our core values, beliefs and a set of priorities aimed at improving student achievement, fostering a positive learning environment and strengthening community partnerships," Muratori said. "It is the district's commitment to providing an exceptional education for every student." Muratori previously said Envision 2030 "endorses an innovative mindset, providing students, their families and our staff with access to resources necessary to be successful." He said this is done by focusing on areas such as: • Expanding access to technology, project-based learning and career-technical education for students • Improving communication and engagement for families • Supporting professional development that equips staff with the latest teaching strategies and tools "By investing in these resources, we are building a culture of continuous improvement and innovation for everyone in the district," Muratori said. His other goals for the 2025-26 school year, dovetailing with Envision 2030's objectives, are to: • Finish the welding and computer lab projects • Finish collective bargaining with the Sandusky Non-Teaching Association • Look into facilities and equipment capital improvement plans • Enhance safety, security and wellness for staff and students • Work with the treasurer to create a fiscal management plan