October 15, 2008
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS , OH – After five years as Superintendent of the Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District, Deborah S. Delisle was named Ohio’s next State Superintendent of Public Instruction in a unanimous vote by the State Board of Education on October 14.

“The Board is very proud of Mrs. Delisle and we know she will be a great asset to the students and school districts across Ohio,” Board of Education President Michael Cicero said. “Mrs. Delisle has accomplished so much here in Cleveland Heights – University Heights, and we will be forever indebted to her for her tireless work, the vision she brought to our District, and the belief that all students can achieve.”

Delisle has worked in public education more than 30 years to advance classroom teaching and learning and to provide opportunities for all students to realize success. She has served as Superintendent of the Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District since August 2003. Immediately prior to this, she served as the District’s Associate Superintendent for Educational Services.

“The work I’ve done in CH-UH has been the most rewarding of my career,” Delisle said. “I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by educators with a profound belief in kids who make certain that every effort is made to ensure student success. This District will always have a special place in my heart because of the students, staff members, and committed individuals in the community who are constantly contributing to the advancement of our schools.”

Superintendent Delisle will begin her term as State Superintendent no later than December 1. The CH-UH Board of Education and administration will begin to develop a plan of action to name an interim replacement for Superintendent Delisle.

“The Board will do its best to fill the superintendent position with someone who can continue moving our District forward with advancing student achievement as a clear focus,” Board President Cicero said. “The public will be informed when a plan of action is in place and throughout the process as this will be a critical decision for our District.  We will remain highly focused on our mission of educating students.”  

“My time at CH-UH has been great preparation for this new job and I will always remember the great students, staff, parents, and residents with whom I have worked throughout my years here,” Delisle said. “I am privileged to have worked in such a great District and will do my best to continue to encourage excellence in education at the state level.”

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