Superintendent Dan Good announced his retirement this morning. Appointed as an interim superintendent in 2013 — after former superintendent Gene Harris stepped down amid a data-rigging scandal — Good spent the following five years leading Columbus City Schools. During his time there, he prioritized the implementation of new digital and physical data review systems, increased third-grade readiness for fourth grade reading, and free breakfast and lunch for all students.
“Knowing that so much has been accomplished and our District is back on a sustainable positive trajectory with the right people and processes firmly in place, I have felt a sense of peacefulness about starting another journey I put on hold fifty months ago,” shared Dr. Good. “I purposely chose to wait until December so our District can stay focused on starting this new school year strong and so I can work closely with our Board of Education to ensure an easy transition.”
Good was appointed days after retiring as Superintendent of Westerville City Schools. He’ll stay in his position until December, when the School Board will appoint a new superintendent to take his place.
Under his leadership, the district has seen a 22 percent increase in access to pre-K, doubled the percentage of third graders promotable to fourth grade for four years, and opened the first Gifted Academy. He also managed to pass a 6.92 mill levy last November after a levy defeat in 2013, a sign of the community’s increased faith in district administration.
“We have accomplished that mission and more, as most evidenced by the overwhelming support of our community and voters in approving our 2016 levy,” said Board of Education President Gary L. Baker, II, in a press release. “Key systems and sustainable measures are now in place to ensure that the District doesn’t slide back and can move forward without losing momentum while the Board searches for Dr. Good’s replacement.”
According to the release, the Board of Education will “determine a public-engaged approach” to understand the essential qualities of a superintendent, although no timeline has been set on finding a replacement.