The Stark Education Partnership today announced the selection of Dr. John Richard, Deputy State Superintendent for the Ohio Department of Education, as the new President.0
"Dr. John Richard is the ideal person to carry on the great work Dr. Teresa Purses provided as the President of the organization. John’s leadership positions in education at the local and state level coupled with his deep roots and passion for Stark County will serve our community well in his new role as President of the Stark Educational Partnership," said Ray Hexamer, Chair of the Partnership board and President of the Stark Economic Development Board. "The Stark Education Partnership has been a catalyst in engaging and collaborating with education, business, philanthropy and community stakeholders to drive improvement and innovation for students that will insure education and career success."
Dr. Richard is currently Ohio’s Deputy State Superintendent. Laura Kohler, State Board of Education President, stated, "Dr. Richard has played a vital role in guiding the Ohio Department of Education to a number of important accomplishments. He has acted as a key connector bringing individuals and groups from all corners of the education community together in pursuit of the common goals in Each Child, Our Future, Ohio’s strategic plan for education."
Richard has served in numerous leadership capacities at ODE including roles in leading the review and revision of the state’s Operating Standards for Schools and the department’s liaison with the academic distress commission. Prior to joining the department, he spent 30 years in the education field in roles ranging from teacher to district superintendent.
Richard is a Stark native graduating from Sandy Valley High School and Mount Union College. He started his teaching career at Sandy Valley High School (1983-1985) and served as the Superintendent of the Perry Local School District (2005-2013). Richard earned a Master’s Degree at Cleveland State University and his doctorate at the University of Akron.