CH-UH Board of Education Selects Superintendent Finalists
March 1, 2019 -- The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education has selected four candidates as finalists for the district’s superintendent position.
The four finalists include (see below for professional experience and education):
- Dr. Kristin Barker, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Secondary Education for Whitehall City Schools;
- Felisha Gould, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District;
- Elizabeth Kirby, Chief of School Strategy and Planning for Chicago Public Schools; and
- Andrew Koonce, Academic Superintendent of the Achievement and Gifted and Talented Network for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
The Board will welcome the finalists for a full day each of interviews and meetings in the district next week, March 4-8. The community is invited to participate in the interview process by attending meet-and-greets with the candidates on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. All of the community events are from 6-7 p.m. at the Heights Middle School Wiley Campus cafeteria.
Community Meet-and-Greet Schedule:
Monday, March 4 - Felisha Gould
Wednesday, March 6 - Dr. Kristin Barker
Thursday, March 7 - Andrew Koonce
Friday, March 8 - Elizabeth Kirby
The evening receptions, which are limited to one candidate per day, will be an opportunity for community members to meet each candidate and ask questions or discuss topics of interest. The Board will solicit feedback from attendees before making its final decision.
The new superintendent is expected to lead the district beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Dr. Brian Williams will serve as the interim superintendent beginning on March 4 until the new permanent superintendent begins.
Please check the Superintendent Search page on our website for updates and information throughout the process.
CH-UH Superintendent Finalists
Dr. Kristin Barker - Complete Resume
Professional Experience:
- Assistant Superintendent/Director of Secondary Education, Whitehall City Schools, 2014-present
- Adjunct Professor, Wittenberg University, 2015-present
- Adjunct Professor, Wright State University, 2010-present
- Student Services Director, Personnel Department, South-Western City Schools, 2011-2014
- Principal, Springfield High School, 2008-2011
- English/Reading Teacher/Varsity Coach, Springfield South High School (1999-2008), Tecumseh Local Schools (1994-1999), Caldwell Exempted Village Schools (1991-1994)
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Ohio University, 1991
- Master of Education, Wright State University, 1999
- Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, University of Dayton, 2015
Felisha Gould - Complete Resume
Professional Experience:
- Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, 2015-present
- Adjunct Professor, Cleveland State University, 2016-present
- Secondary School Administrator, Akron Public Schools, 2002-2015
- Coordinator - NSF-CPMSA, Akron Public Schools, 1997-2002
- Science Teacher, Saturn Alternative High School and Ellet High School, 1995-1997
- Adjunct Professor, University of Akron - Wayne College Campus, 1995-1997
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts - Biology, Talladega College, 1989
- Master of Science - Biology/Environmental Science, University of Akron, 1996
- Master of Arts - Secondary Education/Biology, University of Akron, 1996
- Master of Arts - Educational Administration, University of Akron, 1999
- Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Concordia University, In Progress
Elizabeth Kirby - Complete Resume
Professional Experience:
- Chief of School Strategy and Planning, Chicago Public Schools, 2015-present
- Network Chief, Chicago Public Schools, 2012-2015
- Principal, Kenwood Academy, Chicago Public Schools, 2005-2012
- Assistant Principal, Kenwood Academy, Chicago Public Schools, 2003-2005
- History Teacher, Kenwood Academy, Chicago Public Schools, 1999-2005
- Lead Teacher, Triumphant Charter School, Chicago Public Schools, 1997-1999
- History Teacher, Olive-Harvey Middle College High School, 1996-1999
- Center Director, Higher Achievement Program, 1994-1995
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts - Special Concentration Urban Studies, Harvard University, 1994
- Master of Arts - Social Science, University of Chicago, 2000
Andrew Koonce - Complete Resume
Professional Experience:
- Academic Superintendent of the Achievement and Gifted and Talented Network, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, 2014-present
- Principal, Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, 2011-2014
- Adjunct Professor, Cleveland State University, 2010-2012
- Principal, Cleveland School of the Arts - Lower Campus, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, 2006-2011
- Adjunct Professor, Ursuline College, 2006-2008
- Assistant Principal (Cleveland School of the Arts, Dike School of the Arts, Tremont Elementary), 1999-2005
- English Teacher (Fairport Harbor, Mentor, Willougby South, CMSD), 1995-1999
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in English, Case Western Reserve University, 1995
- Master of Education (emphasis on Secondary and Elementary Education and Administration), 1999
- Doctoral Studies (Ph.D. in Urban Education Program), Cleveland State University, In Progress